Cornwall does a jolly jig to support child center

CORNWALL — The annual Cornwall Child Center auction returned to town this year, a move that organizers say definitely contributed to its success.

“We were hoping for about 120 people, and we ended up with more,� said auction chair Cara Weigold of the May 2 Pig & Jig event. “It was very exciting. I heard a lot of positive things about the food, the music and the approach we took. It was a great time.�

They also raised a nice sum to help offset costs at the Cream Hill Road center, which charges fees on a sliding scale based on individual family income.

The auction was traditionally held at Mohawk Ski Lodge. Renovations there several years ago sent the auction to the Torrington Country Club.

“It was more formal there, with a sit-down dinner. I think everyone liked the more relaxed approach. The food and the band were great. We did the silent and live auctions first, then everyone was able to socialize and dance. It is always the first social event of the year, and it set a great tone.�

West Cornwall restaurant Smokin’ Barbecue supplied the food. Music was by TimeRider.

As expected, the auction featured great locally made art and products, as well as the fabulous and unusual. Top bids went to a week’s stay at a French farmhouse built from Roman ruins,  and a ski-in, ski-out condo in Crested Butte, Colo. They sold for $2,000 each.

Potter Betty Busby came up with a surprise item based on the auction’s theme: 12 ceramic dancing pigs.

“We got them too late to put them in the catalog,� Weigold said, “but they were wonderful.�

They divided the pigs up into four lots for the live auction.

“On the last lot, the bidding kept going. We got $125 for it.�

 

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