ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — This year’s Mountain Auction to benefit Mt. Irenaeus will feature travel packages, sports memorabilia and gourmet dinners, among other offerings of local products and services.
Reservations for the annual auction are now being accepted by contacting Michelle Marcellin at 716-375-2096.
The 2012 Mountain Auction will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, in Doyle Hall on the St. Bonaventure University campus and supports the work of Mt. Irenaeus and the Franciscan friars who welcome people from all faith traditions.
The event begins with a 5 p.m. Mass in the University Chapel, Doyle Hall, followed by the auction at 6 p.m.
The auction features an evening with more than 200 gifts, most offered by silent auction and a select few in the exciting, fast-moving verbal auction. Dan Carter will be the auctioneer for the verbal portion of the auction.
Among the getaway locations are use of a condo at Little Oak Island near Charleston, S.C., and a week’s stay in the White Mountains of Arizona. Also offered will be an archery-hunting package at Mt. Irenaeus and an overnight stay in Pittsburgh. Among the local packages will be a family membership to the Cuba Lake Yacht Club, lessons for the 2013 sailing season and a cocktail party for 25 at a Cuba Lake Home.
Silent auction gifts range from small appliances, holiday décor and passes to regional zoos and parks, to Cutco products, electronics, golf passes and gift baskets. For the sports fan, a variety of items will be presented including autographed items from the Buffalo Sabres and basketballs signed by members of the men’s and women’s 2011-2012 SBU basketball teams.
For those driven to bid by their stomach, edible gifts include fresh lobsters from Massachusetts, gourmet dinners, and a pie-of-the-month offering from Sr. Regina Aman, O.S.F., of St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean.
The Mountain’s Franciscan friars will be donating some of their specialties: a hike and lunch with Br. Joe Kotula, O.F.M., homemade blueberry jam by Br. Kevin Kriso, O.F.M., currant bread by Fr. Lou McCormick, O.F.M., and home-brewed beer by Fr. John Coughlin, O.F.M.
Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accepted until the auction is sold out. The cost is $50 per person and includes cocktails, buffet, passed hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Auction proceeds aid the Mountain’s endowment and support the general operating fund. For more information about Mt. Irenaeus, visit
www.mounti.com.