How do you improve upon a fund-raiser that has become much more than a run-of-the-mill-annual event?
You don’t. At least, that’s what the Lawrenceville Elementary School PTO has learned.
By: Linda J. Field
The group hosted its annual art auction again this year in Abbott Hall on the grounds of The Lawrenceville School on March 3.
The evening began with an opportunity for more than 150 art lovers to leisurely examine the 150 prints, lithographs, oils and pieces of sports memorabilia to be presented for bid at the auction. Platters of cheeses, crackers, fruit, vegetables and shrimp, accompanied by a variety of dips, were spread along a buffet table for self-serve munching, with beverages available for the asking.
Thoughts of a predicted snowstorm were far from the minds of those Lawrence residents who attended the social evening. Instead, friends greeted each other across the buffet table and discussed the good points or defects of certain works. Works by artists who were unknown at first, became favored possibilities by certain bidders after a conversation. Old favorites were represented from Disney through Rembrandt. Some pieces were known only by serious collectors prior to arriving that evening.
"We usually get a great turnout, and not just LES parents, for this event," said Jennifer Logue, speaking for art auction Chairwoman Ruthann Jennings. "This year we plan to donate carpeting in the school, especially on the first- and second-floor hallways. It needs to be replaced because of both wear and its age."
Though the PTO won’t know how much money it raised this year, the fund-raiser brought in $7,000 for school improvements last year.
Patrons at the sale, conducted by Ross Galleries, were there for a variety of reasons. None said they had their sights set on one particular piece before arriving at the auction. Instead, success was defined as finding something to fill an empty wall or match an odd-colored rug.
The art auction included one unexpected item that appealed to a sense other than sight. This was a dinner party for six, catered by chef Richard Fitzgerald of the Pennington Quality Market, which went for $325.
The pieces sold for less than $100 up to thousands of dollars. Some bidders came for the art, while some said they came for the cause.
Rita Reven, mother of third-grader Patrick, and treasurer of the PTO at LES, said she was there to work and to enjoy the fruits of the group’s labor.
"The sale has been a good fund-raiser in the past, as well as being a lot of fun," said Ms. Reven. "Last year, we raised $7,000, which we gave to the school to be used for class trips and curtains for the library. Part of it went to the teachers’ instructional fund."
Ms. Reven said the PTO probably couldn’t stop the annual event even if it tried.
"We don’t like to stop it," she said. "A lot of serious art buyers attend. Ross Gallery selects the art. The selection may be based on what sells the previous year."
"I came to bring her," said Dale Haller, pointing to his wife, Jeanne.
"We’re browsing," said Ms. Haller. "That photo of a tree with snow on it is pretty. The contrasts are so great, but you would have to be careful where you hang it. We just happen to have a wine-colored sofa that it would look great positioned over."
Also, there were several parents of LES students, like Marianne Meyers who said she was there to support the school.
"I’m also looking for a great art buy," said Ms. Meyers, mother of third-grader Jonathan and kindergartner Rachel. "I always find something here, even when I’m not actively looking. Besides, it’s a night out."
Parents of former LES students reminisced about the days when they worked the auction.
"When my oldest daughter was at LES, I used to address invitations to the auction," said Janet Jalajas. "My husband used to move paintings at the show. Tonight, I’m here just looking for something for over the fireplace, and enjoying myself."
Art auction freshman Karen Dwyer addressed invitations this year and did much more.
"I worked on invitations, signs and desserts," said Ms. Dwyer, mother of second-grader Katelyn. "This is the biggest fund-raiser for the school that we have. My husband may not think so, but I am planning on bidding. I’ll be involved in the PTO for a while, as I have a child beginning kindergarten next year."
Also working on the auction for the first time was Marti Hewgill, who was acting as a greeter and registrar for the event.
"I’m on the PTO board," said Ms. Hewgill, mother of third-grader Montara and kindergartner Blake. "This is the first time I’ve worked on the art auction, which is a major fund-raiser for LES."
"I helped to get the cheesecakes," said Carolyn Hanko, mother of third-grader Joseph. "I also helped with general running around. The community was very generous with their donations."
Teachers at LES did not escape notice, and took an active part in toting art to the auction area.
"I’m here to be a runner and a buyer," said Joanne Groeger, LES physical education teacher. "I usually wind up buying too. This is such a worthwhile event. The auctioneer entertains you, and we have a lot of laughs while learning about art. A lot of parents attend and bring their friends. It’s a social evening."