Plenty to bid on at DYW radio auction

MOUNT VERNON — Oil changes, health and beauty items, food, entertainment, clothing and more will all be up for auction Saturday in the 2012 Distinguished Young Women Radio Auction. Broadcast live on 1300 WMVO from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this annual fund raising auction gives listeners the chance to bid on a variety of items up for auction while at the same time supporting scholarships for the 2012 DYW Program.

Sixth-year auction chairman Todd Hawkins said that there are over 200 items available in this year’s auction, donated by more than 100 local businesses and individuals. The listing of these items has been published in the News and will be reprinted again Saturday. It can also be viewed here.

Listeners can place bids on as many items as they wish and as many times as they wish. Callers are asked to give the number of the item on which they are bidding, the amount of the bid, and their name and telephone number. To place a bid, call 399-5633.

A few popular items included in this year’s auction are a photo sitting with Seavolt’s Studio, a patio door from Jeld-Wen, Virginia Barry’s raspberry jam and a “bump to the front of the line” certificate for Ron’s Pizza.

A minimum bid increase of $1 is required for items priced from $1 to $30; $5 minimum increase for items $31 to $100; and $10 minimum increase for those priced over $100. “We always have a goal of raising $10,000,” said Hawkins, adding that the 2011 auction raised around $11,000. All proceeds go directly to scholarships awarded at the DYW Program in February.

As many as 20 volunteers donate their time in making this auction possible from answering phones, picking up items and running various errands. The work began many weeks ago as letters were sent and phone calls were made to numerous area businesses asking for donations for the auction. “It’s fun, especially Saturday when we’re out there answering phones,” said Hawkins of the whole auction process. “We actually get people call back and want to volunteer. It’s a fun experience.”

Those placing the winning bids can pay for and pick up their items at the Coshocton Avenue branch of First-Knox National Bank from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30. If items are not picked up, the next highest bidder will be contacted for purchase and pickup.