(L-R Women’s Auxiliary President Sandra Bobowski, NBC Connecticut’s Brad Drazen, and Captain Christine Glasco at the Annual Spring Luncheon and Auction.)

Going Once! Going Twice! Sold!

Women's Auxiliary Auction Raises Money for Greater Hartford Programs

WEST HARTFORD - This was not Brad Drazen’s first rodeo... and obviously it wasn’t his first auction either! He served as the Head Auctioneer at The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Annual Spring Luncheon & Auction at the Pond House on May 7 and truly did a top-notch job! Funds that were raised will go on to support Salvation Army programs in Greater Hartford. Needless to say, Brad is pretty good at helping the Army raise the money necessary to support our needed programs.

Attendees came eager to shop for everything from beautiful plants to home decor, in addition to placing bids on many wonderful silent auction items. Soon, Captain Christine Glasco, Salvation Army Liaison Officer to the Greater Hartford Women’s Auxiliary, kicked off the program by welcoming the ladies to the luncheon and introduced Captain Colette Masom, who gave the opening grace.

The Pond House did their thing next. As always, they did so in wonderful fashion. The wait staff delivered delicious meals to hungry guests seated around the room. While the audience was still working on their desserts, Women’s Auxiliary President Sandra Bobowski came to the podium and delivered the grants to this year’s recipients.

Let the games begin!

NBC Connecticut’s Brad Drazen took over the microphone for the live auction and then the “joint was jumpin’.” Brad has served as auctioneer since 2009. He knows the Women’s Auxiliary audience and they know him. The guests love to raise their paddles, all for a great cause, while having lots of fun too! Every year the program has grown. This has become a very special event and it could not happen without the support of many dedicated ladies... and for that we thank you!

Also, a special thank you goes to all of the donors that made the auction possible: The Pickin’ Patch; Playhouse on Park; Infinity Music Hall & Bistro; The Pond House; Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art; Lake Compounce; TheaterWorks; Rizzuto’s Restaurant; Lox, Stock & Bagel; NBC Connecticut, Treva Restaurant; Therapeutic Massage & Wellness; Delicacy Market; Claire Friedman; Antonia’s Hair Boutique; Sandra Bobowski; Aida; Helen Hirschfeld; Marian Moore; Ann Marie Kinsella; and more.

2015 Grant Recipients

The Salvation Army’s grant recipients for 2015 were as follows: $500 to the Hartford Temple to purchase materials for Summer Vacation Bible School; $500 to Hartford Temple to purchase materials in the community, including a spa day; $500 to Hartford Citadel to purchase materials for a new Human Trafficking Initiative; $500 to Hartford Citadel to purchase food for the Newington Veterans Hospital Breakfast Program; $1,000 to Marshall House to help with the purchase of four new metal-framed, stackable twin beds; $1,000 to The Right Place on Sigourney Street to help with the purchase of light tables for use with Reggio Emilia Curriculum and $987 to the Human Services Bureau to purchase new storage racks for the community food pantry.