“Going Once – Going Twice – SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER! Nick Koplos’s voice rang out loud and clear repeatedly as he auctioneered the 8th Stingrays Annual Charity Auction on May 14.
With “pot luck” food items provided by and to all those present throughout the afternoon’s proceedings, this year’s function was held at Joanie and Nick Koplos’ Sun City residence. The yearly auction saw the bidding of 46 donated club member services and personal items. With 32 “in house” bidders present and 9 “on-line” bidders, club participants and their family and friends totaled 41. A huge variety of auctioned items included: nutrition and tax preparation counseling, homemade dinners and cakes, Cubs memorabilia, exploration trips to historic local venues, “taxi” services to O’Hare, along with gift cards, baskets of goodies, and prize-winning tomatoes, among other treasures. Thanks to our Social Chairlady, Nancy Cihlar, and her committee of Bill Schaupp, Roseann Losasso, Jackie McCague, and Joanie, assisted by club president, Irene Camp, and treasurer, Sue Taylor, for all of their efforts to make the afternoon a huge success!
With May being designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Stingrays chose to give their auction’s 1/3 earnings of approximately $800 to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). NAMI has proven to be the nation’s largest leading voice on mental health providing public awareness with educational/medical support that was not previously available to those in need. Now more than ever, with the past two year’s harsh realities of an underfunded mental health system, The Hartford Financial Services has offered to “gift match” a donation given by May 31. As a result of this generosity, the Stingrays Charter Swim Club with The Hartford will be donating approximately $1600 to NAMI! Our gratitude is extended to The Hartford and to all of our Stingrays who participated in this noble endeavor!
