News

19th Annual Auction breaks all fundraising records for Girls Inc. of New Hampshire

Move to new online format proves extremely successful

July 8, 2008 – Manchester, NH: Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire has been doing an annual auction fund raising event for the past 18 years – but this year’s 19th annual auction topped all expectations. The move to a new online format with a live closeout event proved to be one of the keys to the new level of success. This year’s auction raised more than double that of any previous year. “We’re thrilled with the results,” said Cathy Duffy, CEO of Girls Inc. of New Hampshire. “It was a little scary to change the auction format after having done it on tv for so many years, but we knew that online auctions were becoming very popular and felt it was time for a change.” The new online format allowed for a longer bidding period - nearly a full month - and a much wider bidding audience, with bids coming in from all across the country and Canada. The live event, held after the online bidding ended, offered the opportunity for many different groups to come together – past loyal bidders, board members, guests, staff and sponsors for a fun-filled evening of live bidding and camaraderie to close the auction. The auction offered over 270 donated items ranging from gift certificates to local restaurants, spas and beauty salons to unique items such as a Red Sox refrigerator, a tour of the ESPN studios, a personal answering machine message recording by Gerry Remy, a week-long stay at a condo in the Grand Caymans and, of course, several sets of much coveted Red Sox tickets. Strong support from 3 of the agency’s Corporate Partners: Comcast, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart provided great items to offer bidders and provided volunteer support at the live event. “Thanks to all participants, our wonderful auction sponsors and generous item donors from previous auctions, who stuck with us through the change-over, we raised much needed funds that will provide scholarships to our programs for girls across the state. We can’t wait for next year’s auction,” said Ms. Duffy, “we’re confident it will be even more fun and more successful! It is THE auction event to watch for!” Anyone interested in information on how to participate in the next auction may call 603-625-1296.

Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire, with subsidiaries in So. Maine and Windsor County, VT, is a member-based organization for girls ages 6 to 18. The agency is dedicated to developing the confidence, intelligence and leadership abilities of girls. Programs are designed to provide girls with an environment in which they can be themselves among supportive peers. Programs, education and mentoring – and the opportunities that arise from them for members – are tailored to the community in which they are offered. Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire, where girls achieve their personal best, is all about making it possible for girls to discover that strength, that quality within them, that makes them realize they can achieve anything. Over 9,000 girls are served annually through after-school programs, enrichment programs in schools in over 100 schools and regional summer camps. Regional Girls’ Centers are located in Nashua, Concord, Manchester and Rochester, NH and Portland, ME. For more information about Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire programs in your community, please visit our website or call our Administrative Offices at 603-625-1296 - toll free 800-775-9372.