Mary Hacker doesn’t normally have things like cans of paint, industrial extension cords, lamps, model cars, hair care products and bird feeders adorning her office.

Monday, April 16, 2001

Mary Hacker doesn’t normally have things like cans of paint, industrial extension cords, lamps, model cars, hair care products and bird feeders adorning her office. But for the past few weeks, her office at Northbridge Mall has been a collection point for silent auction items for the annual Albert Lea Campus Foundation Gala 2001. The gala will be held from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Albert Lea Armory.

Hacker has served as chairwoman of the silent auction portion of the gala for the last couple years. The branch manager of Manpower is assisted by her staff – Cindy Lunning-Armon, Jodi Miller and Kelly Johnson -&160;in obtaining donations for the auction. The volunteers offer to pick up the items, or donors may drop them off at the Manpower office.

&uot;We start a month and a half before the gala,&uot; Hacker said of calling businesses.

The committee begins with a database of previous donors. &uot;Then we literally pick up the phone book and go down the list,&uot; she said.

The gala’s silent auction is one way to advertise a business. &uot;We call and ask if they want to showcase their business,&uot; Hacker said, adding that the items are prominently displayed and the donors acknowledged next to the item, on programs, thank-you notes and through Powerpoint presentations.

&uot;It’s a good investment, it’s goodwill and everybody benefits,&uot; Hacker said.

Hacker said all proceeds from the silent auction go toward scholarships for Riverland Community College students at the Albert Lea Campus. Last year’s silent auction raised nearly $5,000 for scholarships.

The silent auction will be conducted a little differently this year than it has been in past years. People need to get a bid number from a silent auction attendant in order to participate. This is being done for legibility purposes, Hacker said.

&uot;I know some people don’t participate in the auction because they don’t know how,&uot; Hacker said. &uot;But it’s easy, and it’s a lot of fun.&uot;

The silent auction will run from 7-10:30 p.m. People can bid on items by listing their silent auction bid number and bid amount. Bids must be in whole dollar increments and readable to be accepted.

Warning will be given when the silent auction is about to close. The person whose number appears opposite the highest bid at the time of the close of the silent auction purchases the item.

High bidders may pick up their items from the auction attendant after 10:30 p.m. and take them home. Those who purchased items will be billed.

All sales are final, and unless otherwise specified, all items and services must be used within one year from April 21, 2001.

Hacker stressed that there’s something for everyone on this auction -&160;from big ticket items to smaller items. Even the table centerpieces – baskets with fine wines, chocolates and crackers –&160;will be auctioned.

A live auction will also be held to auction off the bridge constructed by Riverland industrial maintenance mechanics students, as well as Barb Butler’s watercolor painting used on the program and tickets. Auctioneer Hugh O’Byrne will conduct the live auction.

Advance tickets for the gala are $40 per person. They may be purchased at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Northpark, all three Andersen Hallmark stores and at the college.