Memories of 2004: The 3rd Annual
Dennis Conservation Trust Auction

Five Villages . . . One Town . . . One Future

Over 300 people gathered under the tent at the Dennis Village Green on Sunday, August 1, for Summer Evening 2004, the DCT’s 3rd annual auction.    With items ranging from a “Personal Historic Tour of the Five Dennis Villages” to a private skating session for 12 people with Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Wylie, bidding was lively, and the event netted more than $40,000 for the Trust.

Again, the auction achieved its objectives – raising awareness of the work of the Trust in all five Dennis Villages, encouraging new members and friends of the Trust, and raising money for the work of the DCT. The “Village Notables” for the evening were: Anthony Baroni, Dennis; Bob Juliano, Dennisport; Brendan Joyce, East Dennis; Joan Nickerson, South Dennis; and Betty Mullan, West Dennis. Other highlights of the evening included the announcement by Trust President Rich Johnston of a challenge grant of $75,000 for Sea View Playland in Dennisport, a visit from Senator Rob O’Leary (who also donated a kayak excursion for the live auction), and, of course, the spirited auctioneering of Bob Eldred.

The list of “thank-you’s” is too long to mention here, but the Trust and the auction committee are particularly grateful to the many Dennis merchants and businesses that donated goods and services for the event. The spirit of generosity and community throughout the planning and execution of the auction was gratifying. We extend a special note of thanks to the auction committee members (and their patient families) for months of hard work and initiative, and to all the volunteers who helped at the event itself.

The evening has become “the” must for the summer -- and a bargain at that.   The $50 donation this year was rewarded with an evening filled with Dennis’ wonderful local restaurant specialties, including a raw bar, shrimp bar, sushi bar, and chowder;   wine, beer, beverages, desserts, music; and a warm, wonderful sense of community town-wide.   In case you missed out this year … mark your calendar: the date for “Summer Evening 2005” is Sunday, July 31.