The July auction was a great success. Thirty four bidders purchased items from 9 sellers and 9 donors. The highlight of the evening was a magnificent red pine which exchanged hands for $350. It is clear that our treasury benefited from all the efforts of the many club members who helped to organize and stage the event as well as those who bought and sold plants. Once again Janet Nelson coordinated the event and her efforts made for a smooth operation. Thanks Janet for your help as well as for the many past auctions where you have served as coordinator. Particular praise was heaped on our two auctioneers. The original intent was to have Bob Callaham as one of the auctioneers, but he called in sick at the last minute. John Nackley filled in as an admirable replacement. The other auctioneer was Jim Blanton. Jim claimed last year that he had never served as an auctioneer but he would give it his best shot. He was wildly successful. He agreed to be an auctioneer for the recent auction and again performed brilliantly. Has he been practicing or is it raw talent? Thanks to both John and Jim for making the auction a fast paced, fun event.

John Nackley was able to solicit donated auction items from several local nurseries. Contributing nurseries were Moraga Garden Center, 1400 Moraga Rd., Moraga, Mount Diablo Nursery and Garden, 3295 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, Orchard Nursery 4010 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette and McDonnell Nursery, 196 Moraga Way, Orinda. These businesses went out of their way to help us with their generous donations and it behooves us to go out of our way to patronize them when we need nursery supplies. While there, please pass the word to the manager that the club benefited from their contribution and that this was much appreciated.

Last, but not least, thanks to the many people who helped with the many tasks required to put on the auction. Your efforts to make the auction a success will be repaid in the form of more money in the treasury which, in turn will fund more of the great programs in future club meetings.

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