--Arlt§&Emittcerttaulmimmcemr(t-- Arts & Entertainment Auction raises money for women’s soccer team

NICOLE DUGGAN ASST SPORTS EDITOR NLD723@CABRINI EDU

“Would a bid of 350 bid? Would a bid of 350 bid?” This is what you would have heard if you walked into Grace Hall this past Friday night. The Cabrini women’s soccer team held an art auction on Friday, Feb. 15 to raise money for its trip to Brazil this coming summer. The players on the team worked the auction selling tickets, recording bids, carrying/displaying the art and serving food.

The art was pieces from AJ Ross auctions, which does almost 450 art auctions a year. Artists that were featured were Dorit Levi, Alex Perez, Rembrandt, Jim Buckels, Andy Warhol and many more. It also consisted of some entertainment and sports memorabilia.

“I thought it was definitely different,” Jess Huda, women’s soccer assistant coach, said. “I’ve never been to anything like this before. I’m impressed with the quality of art that was brought and I’m happy to see the art that was sold.”

Along with the auction, free refreshments were offered. Complimentary wine, cheese, fruit, vegetables and dessert were set up for people to help themselves during the auction.

There were 150 pieces of art up for possible auction and 54 of them were claimed and sold. The total amount of money bid on the art was $9,830 and the team will receive twenty percent of that. They also collected 100 percent of the ticket sales and raffle money.

“I think it was a success. The team made a good amount of money off not just the art, but off of ticket sales, the 50/50 raffle and ad sales,” Chris Purcell, the art auctioneer, said. “I thought everyone was nice, everything went great. I know it’s a lot of work, but once all the fundraising comes together, it’s a good thing.”

The night overall was a success and the players were enthusiastic to share their thoughts on how they thought it went.

“I thought it was a very successful event. There were a lot of pieces that people enjoyed and all together everyone had a great time,” Lauren Colosi, a sophomore elementary education major, said.

“I think because there was a wide variety in the selection of paintings and numerous people who bought more than one piece, we were overall highly successful,” Brianna Conner, a freshmen secondary education major, said.

Along with the art auction, the team is continuing to fundraise. They are more than halfway to the amount needed but there is still a lot to go. They were very pleased with the success of the auction and will continue to raise money for the much anticipated trip. The coaches and players credit a lot of the fundraising to the player’s parents.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to go to Brazil,” Ken Prothero, head women’s soccer coach, said. “And we wouldn’t be as far in our fundraising if it wasn’t for all the hard work of the parents and Jess Huda.”