Abbey Art Auction Afterthoughts

From the first whisper of auction inspiration to the arrival of the Blough family members (Ed and Carissa, and Karen and Bill) who came to help out at the event, I felt like I was part of a hand-picked, well-organized and disciplined team effort. But who was the coach?
We had the active guidance of Kim Weineck, who may never have hosted an auction before, but you would have thought she was an old hand, whether posting pictures or comments on the blogs, evaluating our art donations, or networking with other artists and talented folks who lent their support to this event. She's been a font of creativity and kindness during the five months or so of planning and execution.
Mary Kay and Tim Hindes lent their expertise and talent as the knowledgeable and affable auctioneers. They came, gratis, but their work was invaluable to us. They were the auction!
Then there was Jane Hunter and Jeanne Nolan , both my neighbors, who know practically everyone in the area and the hinterlands. Between them they secured every conceivable raffle prize to fill the baskets. They have a gift for bringing out the best in those around them.
Cindy Kerr and Diane Duffy wore holes in their shoes walking around town and farther, seeking food and prize donations. They will tell you that the vendors (Stone Forge, Stop 'n Shop, and Fresh Start, to name a few) were incredibly generous with the hors doeuvres that were served and heartily consumed on Saturday night.
Frank Quinn cast a watchful eye over all and generated many ideas and donations. His unfailing good humor effected all of us when we needed it.
Tony Donovan wove his magic from his laptop. He acted as webmaster for the Abbey Art Auction, a task no one but he could manage so well.
Ann Gorbett and Karen Bracchi both contributed their fabulous paintings and time to the auction in many ways, and we benefited greatly from their gifts.
Haydi Hurley lent an enthusiasm that was hard to resist. She conducted the silent auction from top to bottom and kept her husband Bill in line the whole time.
Speaking of spouses and significant others, they all pitched in, and we were very lucky that they did!
Now if you are still reading after all this, you should thank me, because I am the one who decided to condense what should have been a much longer thank-you list! There were so many wonderful people who gave and were supportive. Please know that you have my gratitude. We have been blessed through this whole process by our coach, the Big Guy, who got us together for a special event for some very special people. Truly, it has been a pleasure!