The 13th Annual YGRR Benefit Auction, held April 2 at the Holiday Inn Boxborough Woods, was a very special event in more ways than one. It was the biggest and best in the history of YGRR with an astounding number of items (658 - 122 more than last year) donated. The items, with a value of over $31,000, brought in a record $43,000 in revenue. Auction attendance was also at a record high with over 375 YGRR friends present.

The auction was the forum for YGRR's 15th Anniversary. Communications Director, Caroline H., presented co-founders and co-directors Joan P. and Susan F. each with a crystal starfish as a symbol of YGRR's mission. Joan and Susan were met with a standing ovation, and anniversary cake was enjoyed by all.

Joan thanked everyone and asked the members of the Board to identify themselves. Susan introduced Kennel Manager Sue A. and Intake/Adoption Coordinator Angela N. (who was unable to attend due to a cat bite) and thanked them and our kennel staff for their work and dedication to the many dogs who make their way through our program.

Since this is our 15th anniversary year, Charlie, YGRR #1, was selected as the "poster boy" for the Auction. In April, 1985 Charlie, a senior on the brink of being euthanized, was rescued and placed by YGRR. Jane C., Charlie's "foster mother" was introduced.

An exhibit detailing YGRR's history (created by Board member Joy V.) was displayed in the registration area. Fifteen years and 3,000+ Goldens later, YGRR is bigger and stronger than it's ever been, thanks to the dedication and support of Joan and Susan, and the many members, volunteers and staff who make it all possible.

Veteran YGRR Auctioneer Jen K., suffering from a case of laryngitis, started the live auction at 1:00 pm. The first item up for bid was a colored pencil portrait of Charlie, YGRR #1. Sold for $125, the high bidder, Bobbi Jean R., donated the portrait back to YGRR for permanent display at Riverview. The big-ticket item in the live auction was a framed print of "Partners," signed by renowned artist Fred Stone. "Partners" is a portrait of Golden Retriever Search and Rescue dog, Aspen, and her handler, Skip Fernandez. Valued at $300, the print sold for $2,000! Another big-ticket item was former Bruins great Ray Bourque's hockey stick, autographed by Ray and his teammates on his last day as a Bruin. Valued at $400, the stick sold for $625.

There was something for everyone at the auction ranging from dog and cat food and toys to clothing items, books, prints, collectibles and more. The big-ticket item from the silent auction lots was the book "Yellow Pup" autographed by author/photographer Debra Marlin. With a value of $35, it brought in $500 for Rescue!

A first at this year's auction was the publication of a "wish list" of items needed at Riverview. Items donated consisted of laundry detergent, bleach, paper towels, dog food, blankets, towels and dog toys to mention just a few. One donor even brought a case of copy paper and another brought a roll of stamps. The donations were thoughtful and many. The Rescue van was filled with items with a value of hundreds of dollars.

YGRR relies on donations and fund-raising events in order to operate. The Annual Benefit Auction is YGRR's major fund-raising special event. The entire proceeds from the auction will be used to sustain the program. Our sincere thanks and deepest gratitude is extended to the many donors, volunteers and attendees who made this year's auction the resounding success it was. Many Rescue Goldens will benefit from their generosity.

A special thanks is extended to Skip S. for his generous donation of forty cases of root beer with a special Auction 2000 label. The root beer was available for consumption during the auction and was given to attendees as a souvenir upon check-out. Skip's generosity and thoughtfulness were greatly appreciated and the root beer was enjoyed by all!

Save the date!

Plans are already underway for the 2001 Benefit Auction that will be held on
Sunday, March 25, 2001
at the
Holiday Inn Boxborough Woods.

We are pleased to announce that the Chairperson for Auction 2001 will be Cindy M. who is already accepting items for next year's Auction.

Please mark your calendar!

Members of the 2000 Auction Committee Chairperson: Karen B.
Committee Members: Diane A., Kim B., Carol B., Dale B., Sue C., Linda D., Anne-Marie D., Lisa D., Vicki E., Jim F., Kim G., Carmine G., Cathy G., Jeff G., Patrick J., Amy K., Charles L., Donna L., Roseann M., Chris M., Cindy M., Ed M., Sue M., Susan M., Margit M., Rebecca M., Meg P., Sam P., Doug R., Margy R., Ellen R., Glen R., Evelyn S., Chris S., Norm S., Luanne S., Geoff S., Mardi T., Al V., Joy V., and Kathy Y.
Support Volunteers: Cathy B., Dave B., Joan B., Pam F., Caroline H., Steven J., Barbara L., Ken L., Rose L., Susan P., Connie S., Sue S., Barbara T., and Anya W.

    Welcome to the Auction..

     Raffle Baskets made especially for the Auction

    Auctioneer Jen K. gets the bidding underway...

    Some of the special items that were dontated for the Auction


    YGRR's 15 year Anniversary cake was shared by all.

   The hardworking Auction Committee for 2000