Car up for bid at school auction

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April 27, 2011

SUZANNE MOORE News Editor The Press Republican Wed Apr 27, 2011, 06:37 AM EDT

CHAMPLAIN — A car is among the big-ticket items up for bid at St. Mary's Academy's auction fundraiser Friday.

Garceau's Auto Sales in Champlain is making the 2000 Mercury Sable available; a reserve price is set for that item.

"St. Mary's gets to keep whatever is bid over that," said Sonia Shivokevich, a teacher at the Cathlolic school for kids in pre-K through grade six.

As of Tuesday, St. Mary's had raised $69,176 in its effort to become solvent and keep the school alive.

The challenge went out in March for the small school to come up with $80,000 by June 1 or face closure.

Shivokevich is the teacher who keeps track of how much money has been raised, coloring in the "thermometer" on the wall outside her classroom.

"In the beginning, it was wonderful," she said, "but then there was a lull for a while.

"Now it's getting exciting again."

THINKING AHEAD

With several events coming up, including Fun Day at the Town of Champlain Offices May 7, it seems fairly certain the $80,000 goal will be reached.

"But we're hoping to get some overflow for next year," Shivokevich said.

The aim, she said, is to get the school on stable footing for the future. And it's thought that successful fundraisers this spring might be repeated — though at points throughout the year — to keep the academy in the black.

The auction, she suggested, could take place in late fall each year, so it would come to mind when people are buttoning up for the winter and have items they might donate.

Other big-ticket draws to Friday's auction include an Easy Rider canoe, hot-air-balloon rides and pre-season tickets to the Montreal Canadiens.

Barcomb's Furniture in Champlain will be delivering some furniture to the school today. More has come from Bushey's in Beekmantown.

GOOD DEALS

Appliances, lamps, artwork, a hand-sewn baby quilt, specially made rain and compost barrels, hand-crafted furniture and cedar chests ...

"We've got some small things, and we've got some expensive things," Shivokevich said. "We want people to come in knowing they're coming to save the school, but there will be some good deals, too."

She and Principal Sister Marie Cordata Kelly expressed appreciation to all those who have contributed items for the sale, and to Steve Brodi, who is donating his auctioneering skills.

The car, a four-door sedan with leather seats and sunroof, has 85,000 miles on the odometer. It comes with a warranty that lasts 30 days or 1,000 miles.

The public can preview items up for bid beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the gym.

Except for the Mercury, Shivokevich said, laughing.

"We'll probably have that outside."

Email Suzanne Moore at: smoore@pressrepublican.com