I am kind of excited about this. On Saturday, our boys school holds its annual dinner/auction benefit. My wife Mary Anne took on the responsibility of chairing and organizing the whole event. It has been a huge task, but we are hopeful that it will be a success.
I wrote to a number of model railroad manufacturers and asked if they would be willing to donate towards an HO scale MRR collection.
I have to tell you I am really thrilled at the generosity of the companies that stepped up and sent us items.
The package that we are auctioning comprises of a Digitrax Zephyr and some decoders, structure and detail items from Stella Scale models and also from JL Innovative Supply. Some passenger cars and the new telegraph poles from Rapido Trains. All topped off with an Athearn train set from our local hobby shop K-10 model trains in Maryville. I am donating several hours of my time to help the winner of the auction get going, by installing decoders for example.
It has caused quite a buzz at the school and a number of the boys have been pressurizing their Dad’s to place bids.
That’s fantastic Simon. I hope that it’s a huge success. Not only is this a great thing it can only help to stimulate interest in “the world’s greatest hobby.”
Thanks Karl, I hope that it does get some kids into the hobby. I know for sure that the boys of the 4th grade are all a buzz about it. Today is the main setup day for the auction so it is going to be a really busy day.
To close the loop, the auction last night was a huge success. Early indications are that the amount raised went up almost 30% compared to last year, which is an amazing achievement in the current economic climate.
Best of all though, the winning bidder for the trains package were parents of 2nd grade triplets, of which 2 are boys. It will be under the Christmas tree as a present. I spoke to them at some length at the end of the auction and Dad was already speaking about taking over part of the basement! Part of the package is that I am donating time to assist and get the winner started, In this case it will involve installing decoders and getting the DCC portion running. It should be a real blast, and I am very much looking forward to January to get involved.
I was so darned busy emceeing the evening, and dealing with last minute issues like the high speed copier that died while printing the auction book addenda that I simply forgot to take any pictures!
One of the reason I have offred to help the winners Simon, might be a way to make more train Friends. I sure can tell them when they are making a mistake! I think I have made them all! when the winner of the Zepher starts the bench, keep me in mind.