Cornwall Child Center plans winter social, auction

CORNWALL — Ready for something a little different? This year’s Cornwall Child Center fundraiser will be a Winter Social and Vacation Home Auction on March 3, 6 to 9 p.m., at the West Cornwall Railroad Station.The Board of Directors, which organizes fundraising for the nonprofit center, looks carefully at new approaches. Among the directors is Karolene Carlson, who has learned from experience that shaking things up can often prove very successful. The key may be in knowing the degree of change to make.“The auction has always been a big hit,” she said. “Last year’s winetasting was new, and a huge success. Some of the response to that was that people wanted to get together and have a glass or two of wine and a little food, and socialize, rather than have a tasting.” The Winter Social will give friends and neighbors a chance to chat over wine and savory and sweet snacks. As they do so, bids can be placed in a silent auction on vacation stays around the world donated by local folks willing to share homes in remarkable places. Up for bidding will be weekend and weeklong stays in Ireland, Colorado, New York City, Florida and Nantucket. And more locations and vacations are still being added to the list.The evening will culminate with the awarding of door prizes and a live auction. Bidding on homes will open with the last silent auction bid amount, making for what is expected to be some spirited action.“A lot of people are intrigued by the train depot, too,” Carlson said. “This is a chance to see how it has been renovated into a home and a business.”Staging of the reception area will be done by R.T. Facts of Kent.Tickets are $25 per person, and include food, wine and a bidding number. To purchase tickets or for more information call Jen Markow at 860-672-4875.