2009 D.O.V.E. Fund Auction

Over 200 guests arrived at the Pinnacle in Maumee on Friday afternoon to sip cocktails and browse over 150 silent auction items ranging from a wide screen TV,  an Outdoor Gas Grille and jewelry from Vietnam.  In addition, a catalog detailing over 20 oral auction items included fishing trips, Red Wing game packages and vacation condos in the Florida Keys.  DOVE Vice Chairman, Robert Durbin of Tiffin served as MC and called everyone to order at 7:00pm.  He recognized all veterans in the audience and led with the invocation. 

A short video detailing the 2007 trip to Vietnam was shown. Images of war torn Vietnam interplayed with comments from veterans who visited the country provided a powerful contrast from 40 years ago.  Children who benefited from the efforts of the DOVE Fund were shown in schools with former soldiers who now arm themselves only with love and understanding.  After dinner, Mr. Durbin introduced guest auctioneers Jerry Anderson and Chrys Peterson from WTOL News.  Jerry and Chrys have become regulars at the DOVE Auction and help create an evening of fun and spirited bidding to help the needy in Vietnam. During a break in the live auction, Mr. Durbin showed a musical slideshow created by DOVE Trustee and Vietnam vet, John Abbey showing how his love for the children of Vietnam is a powerful motivation to continue with the mission of the DOVE Fund.  Jerry then made a special request on behalf of the DOVE Fund Scholarship Fund which helps poor but deserving students the funding they need to continue their education.

Nearly $19,000 was raised during this special request.  The live auction resumed with gift tickets to the Masters golf tournament,  2 round trip tickets to anywhere in the US via Northwest airlines and a suite at the Mud Hens.  The evening concluded just before 10pm and was called a big success by DOVE Chairman, Tim Kearney.  "To have this kind of turnout and response to people half a world away is humbling" said Vice Chairman for Vietnam Projects, Do Nguyen.

Auction Committee Chair, Julie Oswald said the auction is the premier fund raising event for the DOVE Fund and this year's event "could be the most successful auction the DOVE Fund has ever had"  Although not yet official, the 2009 auction netted nearly $80,000. The group will again travel to Vietnam in March of 2010 to meet with local official in search of new projects to help the neediest people of Vietnam.