Antiques, collectibles, cars, coins at ARF benefit auction in Conn., Oct. 14 A 2013 Camaro convertible and a VIP package for Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans are just two of the items bidders will find at the first-ever auction to benefit the Animal Rescue Foundation Oct. 14.
with mixed stones. A Civil War-era pistol will also be sold.
Rock and roll memorabilia items will also cross the block, to include guitars signed by folk-rock icon James Taylor, country music singer Willie Nelson, counterculture comedians Cheech and Chong, the late electric guitar legend Les Paul and members of the ‘60s rock band Vanilla Fudge (You Keep Me Hangin’ On). Sports memorabilia will also be sold, as will Oriental carpets, artwork (to include original oil paintings) and some decorative accessories.
Terms of the auction will be cash or known checks. A 15 percent deposit will be required on auction day for some of the bigger-ticket items, like the Camaro and motorcycle. A 15 percent buyer’s premium will be applied to all purchases, with the total amount going to ARF. “The idea is to make this a mega-event, the biggest selling benefit auction we’ve ever held,” Chapulis said.
Chapulis said the clock hasn’t run out for people looking to offer last-minute items. “We may end up accepting merchandise right up to auction day, but at this stage it’s got to be quality items. We’re already approaching 400 lots, and we have to sell everything in one day, so if someone has something truly remarkable, I invite them to call me quickly, at 860-459-0964.”
The Animal Rights Foundation will be using the money for its day-to-day operations, which total close to $6,000 a month. The economic downturn and a 2008 fire dealt a crippling blow, but the not-for-profit 501C3 group has been able to keep its head above water thanks to donations, bequests and fundraisers. Everyone on staff, including the president, is a volunteer.
ARF’s new shelter in Terryville is a two-story, colonial-style structure that became necessary after the 2008 fire destroyed the previous facility. ARF was renting the kennel and the land, whereas it owns the new building now, but it is still paying a mortgage on the land and that presents a whole new set of problems and costs, The 2.3-acre property needs to be maintained.
On top of the mowing in the summer and plowing in the winter, there’s the 5,300 square feet of indoor space that also requires upkeep. Right now that only involves the first floor – the second floor is little more than a shell. Completion of the shelter – home to around 18 dogs and 20 cats –- has been halted due to costs. The money simply isn’t there. The auction can help that.
A preview will be held from 11 a.m. on auction day until the first gavel comes down at noon. ARF will be showcasing some of its furry residents, for the enjoyment of the bidders and buyers. For more information about Tim’s, Inc., and the first-ever auction to benefit the ARF, log on to www.timsauction. To donate a quality item, please call Tim Chapulis at (860) 459-0964.
