CONNECTIONS
MAY 2024 VOL. 12 NO. 5
MAY 6 - JUNE 7
In the cold, dark mornings of early January, Auction Assistant Barbara Mariacher starts her day picking up the phone and Diane LaRochelle & Barbara Mariacher reaching out to businesses NHPBS Auction Team all over New Hampshire, New England and even as far as Idaho. Fast forward five months, and over 1,000 donations have flooded the NHPBS studios in Durham, thanks to generous supporters. The excitement builds as the 51st NHPBS Spring Auction kicks off on May 6th and goes until the very last bid is made on June 7th. “I love talking with our longtime donors. A lot of times, we catch up on what has happened in our lives over the past year,” said Mariacher. “They’re excited to share their new products or pieces they’ve been working on, and more often than not, they’re willing to donate to the NHPBS Auction.” This year, bidders can peruse the NHPBS Spring Auction website at nhpbs.org/auction and bid on exciting items like an adult e-bike, over 20 New Hampshire Made totes bursting with goodies from all over the Granite State, a highly coveted hockey stick signed by Boston hockey legends and an exquisite diamond ring — just to name a few. “We also have outdoor experiences to bid on,” said Mariacher. “I was excited when we received donations from the Winnipesaukee Golf Course to play 18 holes of golf and also for the sailing expedition aboard the Schooner Olad that sets sail from Camden, Maine. That looks like it’s an adventure of a lifetime.” “The auction is a spring tradition for many of our donors and also for our bidders,” said Auction Manager Diane LaRochelle. “We have many longtime donors who make it a point to give back year after year.” And this year is no different. Bidders have a myriad of local restaurants to choose from as well as a week’s stay at the Mittersill Alpine Resort in Franconia or dinner for two on top of a lighthouse in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
“And we have numerous first-time donors who are making an impact this year, including at least one celebrity,” said LaRochelle. Fashion-minded bidders will have a chance to bid on a Miu Miu dress that was worn on several occasions by comedian and New Hampshire native Sarah Silverman. Miu Miu is the sister label to Prada and was founded in 1992 by fashion designer Miuccia Prada. “I bought it to wear at the Emmys when I was nominated for my show I Love You, America,” said Silverman. “Then I wore it to some other things, including the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party.” “The dress has always come through for me. I posted several of the different times I’ve worn the dress on the Internet and said it was time to give it to a charity auction,” said Silverman. “NHPBS commented, ‘Are we the charity?’ and that’s when I realized, ‘Yes. Yes, you are!’” “I’m very happy to support New Hampshire PBS with this lil’ sartorial sacrifice. (I’m pretty sure this makes me a hero?),” said Silverman. “Sure, this dress has seen better days, but hey, she’s got character! Bid high, and together we can help keep NHPBS bringing the quality content I grew up on!” The chance to snag local treasures and oneof-a-kind pieces starts on May 6th at nhpbs.org/auction. “We can’t thank all of the donors and winning bidders enough,” said LaRochelle. “When you put your best bid first, you are generously supporting the local programs and educational services on New Hampshire PBS.”
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