By Jonathan Phelps
ESSEX — You can take a friend to a Celtics game, spend a weekend skiing or get your car detailed — all in support of Essex Elementary School.
The Essex PTO has launched an online auction which features hundreds of items, services or trips that will be up for bid until Dec. 3 at 10 p.m. The PTO usually hosts an annual live and silent auction but this year the committee members decided to try it online for the first time. Some of the items include tickets for professional sports games, spa treatments, whale watches and restaurant gift certificates.
"We decided to do something different," said Annie Cameron, the auction organizer. "Some times you have to shake things up and this is our way of shaking things up.
"We decided to see how well the online auction would work," she said.
The auction is live at: www.essex.schoolauction.net/2009. New items are added daily.
The PTO is hoping to raise at least $12,000 to support its budget which provides money for enrichment programs at the elementary school. This includes ballroom dancing, Daisy Nell's folk music series and providing money for field trips.
Cameron said the auction could not be possible with the support of local businesses and people in the community.
"It is heart-warming to see the local community supporting us during this recession," said Cameron.
Beyond local businesses offering products and services, the local community has jumped on board as well.
Fifth-grader Jenny Duff has offered to bake three large batches of cookies, Essex Elementary School staff member Sue Cainhas offered two hours of after school tutoring, and Principal Jennifer Roberts will let one of her students take her job as principal for half a day. State Sen. Bruce Tarr, R- Gloucester, has donated a signed Doug Flutie football and someone can bid to have a chance to eat lunch with state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante.
Cameron said the competition for some of the items is tough.
"Its been a fun game," she said of seeing who outbids each other.
Jonathan Phelps may be contacted at 978-283-7000 x3447, or gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.
ON THE BLOCK
Essex PTO has launched an online auction which features hundreds of items, services or trips that will be up for bid until Dec. 3 at 10 p.m.
BIG-TICKET ITEMS
One week stay in August 2010 at the Idle Oar Cottage on Conomo Point. The Idle Oar Cottage is a two-bedroom, one bath cottage that sleeps six. The rental is Saturday-Saturday and includes a mooring off of Conomo Point.
Two all-day lift tickets to Black Mountain in Jackson, N.H.
Two round-trip ferry passes from Hyannis to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard
A two-hour sail for two on the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon. The Essex-built schooner sails out of Gloucester from May through October.
Most Unique
Two tickets on April 2 or 3 (either date) to see Grammy Award-winning African-born songstress Angelique Kidjo at the Somerville Theatre, Davis Square, Somerville.
Eight hours of custom carpentry by the Andrew Stevens Co. Does not include materials. On Cape Ann please.
School voucher for any non-credit Course at North Shore Community College.
Hamilton Beach Electrics 251 Toaster, all metal, extra wide slots. This isn't your mother's toaster — it's shiny and solid, with room to toast a bagel.
