Auction a Success, Next Up Grandparent’s Day

Not even a short and sudden hailstorm could put the damper on swashbuckling fun at Teton Science School’s 34th Annual Fundraising Auction. The crowd of 500 who showed up for this year’s treasure hunt themed auction weathered the storm in the furniture tent and rare gems room – the perfect time to place a couple more bids before the silent auction closed.Thanks so much to all who attended. A huge thank you as well to our generous donors and sponsors. We couldn’t do it without you!This year’s fundraiser was awash in hidden gems – from fine furniture and art to grand adventures and gift certificates for local shops and restaurants. The crowd got a good chuckle over the secret auction item revealed at the beginning of the live auction. Sugga Bugga and Ding Dong, Carole-Malia Schneider’s fun and feisty pack goats, made a grand appearance, urging bidders to go high for a day out in the backcountry without weight on their backs. At the end of the day, when the gold coins were tallied, we came in just a touch shy of our fundraising goal. Given the rough economic seas of late, we thank everyone for their enormous generosity and consider this year’s event a success. All proceeds from our auction go toward Teton Science School’s place-based educational programs for local students and kids from across Wyoming.New to this year’s event was the treasure hunt raffle. Young and old buccaneers made their rounds to each of the booty filled ships – furniture, gift certificates, kids, rare gems and internships – to collect stickers on their treasure map. Filled-out maps went into raffle drawing for a treasure chest of goodies. Lucky winner Kristen Combs scampered off with $20 in gold coins, Pirate’s Booty popcorn, and a couple of gift certificates to local stores.Other lucky winners at this year’s auction include: Anushka O., who won an iPad 2; Gretchen H., who will be tearing up the slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort this winter with a season pass; and Kim S., who won a week at a villa in Italy. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets for our raffle!Teton Science Schools accepts auction donations year round. Please call Events Coordinator Maggie Schilling at 733-1313 to schedule a pickup. See you next August 27th for the 35th Annual Fundraising Auction!We also hope to see all Journeys School grandparents and grandfriends on Friday, Sept. 23 for Grandparent’s Day. Join us at 9:30 a.m. for a campus tour, then spend time in the classrooms and finally enjoy a delicious lunch with the Head of School. Please RSVP to Sam Kitchen at info@journeysschool.org or call 307-733-3729 by Sept. 16.