There are many ways to make your auction bid or donation go even further -- by re-gifting, for instance. Here's one example we really like:

For the 2004 auction, Olympic ice skating silver medalist Paul Wylie donated "An hour of Skating Lessons for 12 people at Tony Kent Arena, South Dennis," with ice time donated by the Arena. Bidding was spirited, as auction-goers pictured themselves, their children or grandchildren, and some friends enjoying an hour alone on the ice with an Olympic champion. The donation was made possible through the work of the 2004 Live Auction co-chairwoman Joanne Crowell, and the assistance and generosity of Dottie Larkin at the Tony Kent Arena.

The winning bidder, delighted to get this item, realized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone who truly loved to skate. She called Dottie Larkin and offered to "re-gift" the item to any 12 youngsters who would appreciate an hour of ice time under the tutelage of Paul Wylie. All she wanted in return was the opportunity to be there while Paul skated with the kids. Dottie made the arrangements, and one winter afternoon, 12 young skaters spent an hour learning from a champion as their excited parents (and one happy auction bidder) looked on.

While the item you win may not be appropriate for a charitable "re-gifting" donation, you may find, as others do, that the DCT auction is an excellent venue for birthday, anniversary, or general gift giving. It might be hard to think about the holidays in July, but imagine how much your friends or family members would appreciate a gift certificate to a fine Dennis restaurant, services from one of our great local businesses, hand-crafted jewelry, a work of art, or an afternoon of deep-sea fishing.

Whether you're a frequent auction-goer or only attend an auction once a year (ours, of course), much of the fun of the evening is in the bidding. And of course, the more spirited the bidding, the more money raised for DCT. Please join us for our 7th annual live and silent auction, "Summer Evening 2008" on Sunday, July 20 "under the tent on the Dennis Village Green" - and bring your shopping list!