The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Auction a success
Foundation takes in $10,000 from event
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 1, 2007
Photo by Sue G. Collins
Isabelle Schultz, president of the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation, watches as her husband, Duane, makes a winning bid on an airplane excursion donated by Keith Simecek. Saturday's dinner-auction raised more than $10,000 for area charities.
Winning bidders at Saturday night's auction for the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation will be flying high and hitting the airwaves in coming months, after making generous contributions during the foundation's first fund-raiser.
Two 25-minute airplane excursions, a chance to produce Lucy Ann Lance's radio show on WAAM and Detroit Pistons courtside tickets were among the 48 silent auction items and eight live auction items on which 175 guests bid.
The party raised more than $10,000 for the endowment fund, which was launched just a year ago to support nonprofit efforts in the community, said Scott Dotson, the foundation's president.
The Milan Senior Center sparkled on Saturday night, transformed by volunteers Rachelle Nyitray and Marlene Gintner.
"This is the first dinner fund-raiser for the foundation. Hopefully, it will become an annual affair," said Nyitray, whose husband, Chad, is among eight trustees who, along with six board members, created the foundation.
Isabelle Schultz, who serves as the foundation's board president, said she was pleased with the community's response.
"We are extremely pleased with the turnout and the interest and enthusiasm generated by the event," she said.
Schultz's husband, Duane, was in a bidding war with Dan Wagner over an airplane tour when pilot Keith Simecek spoke up and donated a second trip so both parties could be winners. The real winner, of course, was the foundation, earning $1,500 from that item alone.
WAAM radio personalities Lance and Al Felhauer were the masters of ceremonies, and spontaneously offered airtime to sweeten the deal during the auction of the Pistons tickets. The winner will handle the post-game wrap up on Lance's morning show.
The foundation's purpose is to serve as a permanent, growing endowment to provide the means for individuals to carry on their charitable interests in the community for generations beyond their lifetime.
The foundation serves as a steward for individuals, families, foundations, businesses and organizations that entrust assets to its care while it provides tax benefits to the donor.
A portion of the accrued assets will be used to enhance the quality of life in the community through grants that are compatible with the wishes of the donors and the goals of the community foundation.
Sen. Randy Richardville, R-17th District, attended the dinner and commented on the success of the local foundation.
"Along with the Community Foundation of Monroe County, I have had the pleasure of watching the Milan group evolve. Now, we are learning from each other and this evening is a very impressive fund-raiser," he said.
Last year, two groups benefited from a total of $7,000 in grants awarded by the Milan foundation. Applications will be available soon for groups looking for support this year.
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