Pitt-Bradford Auction for the Arts Raises More Than Twice its Goal

Organizers of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s first Auction for the Arts have declared the event, which raised about $22,000 for the university’s arts endowment, a success.

The total more than surpassed the committee’s goal of $10,000.

“It was a wonderful venue to bring together generous members of our community to support the arts at Pitt-Bradford,” said Gail McDonough, chairwoman of the auction fundraiser committee. “It’s overwhelming and heart-warming. That’s really what touched me the most.”

Proceeds from the event will help offset the cost of arts programming such as the Prism, Spectrum and children’s Kaleidoscope series.

The top-selling item of the evening was a hand-crafted cherry toy box with walnut and maple inlay stuffed with toys, including a porcelain Irish doll, which auctioneer Hilton L. “Woody” Woodruff sold for $1,050. The toy box was made by inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution, McKean, which donated the toy box and wooden toys.

A set of seven one-of-a-kind Pitt-Bradford lighters, donated by Zippo Manufacturing Co., sold for $1,000.

And a framed art print of American Refining Group’s Bradford refinery at night along with a lighter bearing the same image sold for $950.

Many items cost far less, however, McDonough said.

“The silent auction items ranged from $50 or $60 to a couple hundred dollars. There were items for everybody.”

Pictured, John Levey, assistant professor of music, at the piano during the Pitt-Bradford Auction for the Arts held Saturday night. Levey played piano for the gala event, which raised about $22,000 for the university’s arts programming.
(Photo courtesy of Pitt-Bradford)