ROCKPORT — The "great hall" at the Rockport Golf Clubhouse was transformed into a train station of nearly a century past for a fundraising auction for the PTO, which had the theme of the Orient Express.
But like its Agatha Christie inspiration, the action, held April 11, came to a stand still when it was discovered that Lot 99 — a necklace with a stone — was missing. Luckily state Sen. Bruce Tarr just happened to be in the neighborhood and stopped by to serve as detective and help solve the "mystery of the stolen jewelry."
Of course it was all a hoax, but Tarr started following the clues after an auction assistant noticed that Lot 99 was missing and in its place was an old lanyard with a key and a cryptic note that said "kitchen."
Tarr, along with an Orient Express official and security guard, brought the Chef in for questioning. But the Chef, played by Dan de Marco, knew nothing of the theft. Then it was determined that they key attached to the lanyard was actually a key to a sleeping car, which was occupied by the Grand Dame of American theater, Antoinette Sonia, a role played by student Ian Sonia.
"But it turns out that the low lighting in that area and a little confusion, Sonia had tried on the necklace and taken off her lanyard, placing it on display. She had intended to bid on it," said PTO co-President Sue Andersen, who helped stage the drama.
The explanation was accepted and Tarr began bidding on the necklace at $50. After a bit of a bidding war between two School Committee members, the topaz necklace eventually sold for about $500.
Auctioneer Rick Doucette, executive director of the Cape Ann YMCA, accustomed to being on stage, held the unruly crowd to a low murmur and went on with the rest of the auction.
The event, which was attended by about 200 people, raised more than $35,000.
The PTO received assistance in designing the hall from one of its members, Zeynep Bakkal, a stage designer who works in Boston.
Drama students from Rockport High School assisted with the staged mystery at the auction. The following students took part: Auction Helper — Briana Traynor; Auctioneer's assistant — Max Syron; Train Official — Brian Audano; Train Security — Devin Davis; state Sen. Bruce Tarr as himself; Train Conductor — Gillian Hurst; and Antoinette Sonia — Ian Sonia.
The movie "Murder on the Orient Express" — based on the 1934 novel by Agatha Christie — was shown during the event to give a flavor of that period. The clubhouse had signs depicting the stops of the historic train, which traveled through Europe from Paris to Istanbul. Period posters adorned the walls and were later sold as part of the auction goods.
Andersen said the creativity of the committee members involved seems to develop more at each auction. This was the fifth auction.
"The talent of these members never ceases to amaze me," she said.
More than 200 items were sold at a silent and live auction, including a variety of artwork, trips, restaurant and theater gift certificates, sports tickets, and gifts of all kinds, including Coach bags and jewelry. The orchid centerpieces also were raffled off.
"What I like so much is that all the children have the opportunity to be involved if they want to be," Andersen said.
Elementary school children worked on painting furniture and ceramics, which were auctioned off. Students in the seventh- and eighth-grade worked on a skateboard. Two Adirondack chairs were painted by the high school.
Each grade level at the elementary school put together "baskets," which seem to get larger each auction. Several of the baskets were based on the Orient Express theme. Their titles included "Istanbul Grill," featuring an array of items for an outdoor BBQ. The "Taste of the Orient Express" basket features gastronomic delights related to the countries on the route, including France, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Turkey.
"It's really an all-school event," Andersen said. "We also want to thank everyone who donated items for their generosity in this huge effort that goes a long way in helping to enrich the public schools."
Susan Lillis, a long-time PTO member, recalled the discussion she had with a fellow member Sue Lucas many years ago while they were chaperoning a fifth-grade overnight field trip. The topic of an auction came up as a new way to raise money. From that chat, the idea bloomed and it has continued for a decade now. The PTO, however, does not hold an auction every year because it feels it is too much to ask of the donors.
"We'll see you again in two years at our next auction," said Dee McManus, an organizer of the event. "The PTO is always looking for new members, and please consider joining us for the ride."
Gail McCarthy can be reached at gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com.
