The Third Annual Hope Gala Benefiting Operation Kindness, April 17, 2011, Sambuca 360, Plano, Texas. Front Row (L to R): Nikki Walker, Development Director and Julie Goff, Special Events Manager. Back Row (L to R): Rob Ruhde, Montie Davis, Lawrence Bock, Bachendorf’s Fine Jewelers, Auctioneer Mike Jones, United Country Auction Services and Classic Auctioneers, Lori Jones, Sherwin Daryani, Exec. Director.
Plano, TX — Nothing short of magical could describe The Third Annual Hope Gala Benefiting Operation Kindness at Sambuca 360 in Plano, Texas Sunday evening April 17th.
The Live Auction and Fund-the-Mission raised $57,900 in 2010 and this year’s event organizers were reluctant to make predictions about 2011. However, any concerns they may have had faded quickly as those in attendance eliminated any need for worry.
There were six items offered in the Live Auction and things were moving along according to plan. Dinner for 20 at Capital Grille brought in $2,700, Napa Trip $6,000, diamond necklace $7,000 and then the tide changed for the night as item number six, a dining package to some of Dallas’ best restaurants sold for $5,250 to bidder number 132 who responded with “Sell it again!” donating the package back. The second high bidder number 179 also gave $5,250 and proceeded to donate it back. The third high bidder gave $5,500 for the package, and once again, they donated it back as did the next bidder who also gave $5,500. Ultimately, the Dallas dining package sold two more times for $4,000 each, bringing in an amazing $29,500 for a dining package valued at $1,745.
Auctioneer Mike Jones of United Country Auction Services and Classic Auctioneers had a lot of fun with the process and praised the crowd commenting “in my 32 years, this is the first time I have had an item bring in over $5,000 and have it donated back six times.” After the dust settled, the Live Auction and Fund-the-Need brought in $99,900. Hearing the auction total, Jones made the announcement to the crowd and offered up the final $100 to take the auction total to the $100,000 mark.
Operation Kindness is the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in North Texas. Since 1976, Operation Kindness has found loving new homes for more than 65,000 unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs. This year’s event was the single largest fundraiser Operation Kindness has ever held.
About United Country Auction Services, Auctioneer Mike Jones and Classic Auctioneers
United Country Auction Services is a division of United Country Real Estate, the nation’s largest integrated real estate and Auction Company. Established in 1925, United Country supports over 600 offices nationwide, operates over 1300 real estate websites, publishes seven real estate catalogs, maintains an extensive buyer database and is seen by approximately 90 million potential buyer prospects per week. United Country has been recognized by The Land Report as the #1 Auction House in America, Top 25 Franchise by the Wall Street Journal and Top 200 Ranking by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500®. The United Country mission statement includes philanthropy and community support as a major component of corporate success and works with Classic Auctioneers to realize that commitment. To learn more about United Country Auction Services go to www.ucauctionservices.com or www.classicauctioneers.com to learn more about Auctioneer Mike Jones and his Team.
