Going once…going twice…sold!

Before I arrived here in Kenya, I spent a few days in Cambridge, England.  Although I did get to check out the university (it was beautiful), the primary reason I went was to attend a Flying Kites High Tea and Auction, which was expertly put together by JoAnne Rutter and Claire Rayner, two of our favorite Flying Kites supporters.

Joanne and Claire spent months meeting with local businesses asking them to donate items to the auction.  Their hard work was evidenced by the fact that there were over 50 items up for bid in the auction!  The auction included several original pieces of art, jewelery, spirits, and some really cool vacation packages – a flat in Morocco was donated for a week’s vacation!

The auction was spirited and expertly led by a professional auctioneer.  We had loads of fun bidding, and best of all – we raised over $6,000 dollars for the children of Flying Kites!!  Thank you so much to JoAnne and Claire, as well as to Leila’s family for offering their beautiful home for the event and for coordinating the high tea and other details.

And so I ask you, Flying Kites supporters – can you volunteer your services to throw such an auction in your area?  We will be there to support and guide you through the process, and it is a wonderful way to get your community involved in a really meaningful project.  Your time can go a long way for our children.

Joanne and me before the auction

Martin Evans, Nobel Prize Winner, provides an introduction to the auction

The auctioneer in action!