If you’ve got an eye for good deals, a generous spirit and love for all things Jane Austen (and, really, who among us doesn’t have all those qualities?), be sure to check out the annual silent auction during the Jane Austen Summer Program. It’s all for a good cause: our scholarship fund for teachers. Last year, we awarded two scholarships; this year, we’re offering four. All proceeds from this year’s auction will go toward the scholarship fund, in the hopes of expanding the scholarship program further next year.
How you can help
We are gladly accepting donations of new, gently used or handmade Jane Austen/Regency-related items to auction off. Ideally these are small and mid-size items so they’ll fit in baskets — and be easily transportable. These items could be: small prints, mugs, jewelry, note cards, books and the like.
Items can be shipped directly to one of our auction coordinators, Terri O’Quin; e-mail her (toquin at mindspring dot com) for shipping instructions. Donations should arrive no later than June 5 so we have time to compile auction baskets. (Any items that arrive after June 5 or are brought to the conference will be saved for the 2016 auction.)
How the auction works
It’s called a silent auction but that doesn’t mean the bidding can’t be fast and furious. You’ll have several days to peruse the items during breaks — and bid. The auction will end on Sunday morning. If you have to head out on the road early, don’t worry. You don’t have to be present to win your item. Buuuuut: if you think you’ll win, you must designate someone to pay for your item, pick it up and ship it to you.
So bring your competitive spirit to JASP and help us help teachers educate a new generation of Jane Austen lovers.