Lots of Joy: The Somerville Auction

Lots of Joy

THE SOMERVILLE AUCTION

Things looked tough in Michaelmas 2020. A new lockdown was looming and finances were flagging. We needed a boost – something that would raise vital funds for College while at the same time bringing much-needed joy to our community. Development Board Member Judith Buttigieg (Physics, 1989) had a brainwave: what about hosting our very own auction?

“My masterclass with Fiona Stafford will be etched in memory for its sheer brilliance, spontaneity, and deep, meaningful insights into Milton’s poetry.”

GOPAL SUBRAMANIUM, FOUNDATION FELLOW

What followed next were nights of madcap energy, too much coffee and ecstatic celebration as alumni, friends and Fellows met our appeals for help with frankly unbelievable generosity. Wimbledon tickets, stunning holiday destinations, haute couture fashion, even a prize draw for students: our community gave their all for Somerville. Finally, in May 2021, we came together for a gala finale, where celebrity friends including Susie Dent and Natasha Kaplinsky joined us for a rollercoaster evening of bidding and laughter. Once the bids were in and the art sold via professional galleries, there came the thrill of seeing our lucky winners enjoy their experiences. The delight of everyone involved was surely heightened by knowing they were part of a circle of giving, supporting the essential needs of Somerville in the face of unprecedented challenge.

THE AUCTION IN NUMBERS

69 lots 1,000 bids 230 attendees £215,221 raised

“What joy – so much more than just lots of joy; a whole pantechnicon of joy. The auction was not only a magnificent embodiment of the spirit of Somerville but also an extraordinary fundraising success.”

SYBELLA STANLEY, CO-CHAIR OF SOMERVILLE’S DEVELOPMENT BOARD