Portsmouth Abbey Auction to Benefit Student Wellness

Those who attend Portsmouth Abbey School’s fourth Parent Auction can bid on an array of items in both live and silent auctions.

This year’s auction theme is “Raven About Fitness” and the funds raised will help replace the fitness equipment in the school gym.

“Most of the kids, faculty and school community use the equipment and it’s in need of replacement,” said Liz Kinnane, co-chair of the Parent Auction.

“It’s a great event and has been very successful in the past,” she said.

The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Portsmouth Abbey School auditorium on Friday, Oct. 24.

Attendees will dress in cocktail attire and there will be cocktails and orderbs available.

The live auction will be hosted by Stephen McDonald, radio personality and announcer for the University of Rhode Island football team. This is McDonald’s second year as auctioneer. “He has a lot of experience,” Kinnane said. “He’s our key to a successful auction.”

Kinnane expects a large turnout at the auction this year since it will be held during Parent Weekend.

The auction is open to parents faculty and the board of Portsmouth Abbey School.

Silent auction prizes include jewelry items, exercise equipment, clothing items, accessories, specialty items and spa trips.

The highest bidder at the auction can win prizes such as a copy of Tim Gunn’s book and lunch with him in New York City. Other live auction prizes include lunch in Washington D.C. with E.J. Dionne, Washington Post columnist and political commentator, as well as tickets to hockey games, Boston Red Sox games and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Attendees can also bid to play at various golf courses like Shelter Harbor, Carnegie Abbey, The Tuxedo Club and Acoaxet.

Auction items were donated by alums and the Gift Gathering Committee solicited various auction prizes throughout the community.

Photo Credit: Thomas Chalkley, Baltimore, MD