Home > News & Events > MAARSianChronicles > Issue 15: December 2006 > MAARS News & Events: MAARS Stars: It's a Wrap!

MAARS News & Events

MAARS Stars: It's a Wrap!

by Krista Menzel, MAARS Communications Coordinator

The 6th Annual MAARS Gala Benefit Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Silent Auction on November 10, 2006, was a huge success!

In keeping with this year's theme, "MAARS Stars," the approximately 100 guests were greeted on the red carpet by our guest host, Eleanor Mondale, upon reaching the glittering third floor of the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis. Ms. Mondale interviewed new arrivals, asking about their birds, their roles at MAARS and, of course, their couture. These introductions were broadcast over a speaker system for all guests to enjoy.

After being greeted by Ms. Mondale, guests continued down the red carpet, first to the raffle ticket table and then to the silent auction and bar area surrounding the top of the open hotel lobby atrium. With refreshments in hand, MAARS supporters moved from item to item, mingling with old and new friends, discussing the fabulous biddables, and jotting down their bids in friendly competition — it's all for a good cause, right?

The tempting silent auction items included fun life-size Hollywood cut-outs; framed art; sports tickets and memorabilia; museum, concert, and theater tickets; restaurant and hotel gift certificates; pet supplies and service certificates; salon services and beauty products; home decor and collectibles; clothing, accessories, and jewelry; books; electronics; food, wine, and gourmet cooking supplies; gardening certificates and supplies; and much, much more. Three exciting electronics raffle items inspired lots of tickets sales all evening: An iPod 80 GB Video 5.5 Generation, a Polaroid Portable DVD Player, and a Sony DVD Player

At 7:30, attendees proceeded into the ballroom for the program and dinner. All enjoyed a slideshow of MAARS birds credited as Hollywood cast and crew while eating a scrumptious vegetarian dinner: Winter harvest pumpkin bisque; beautiful open-faced tri-colored ravioli layered with mushrooms, baby artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, braised leeks, spinach, and asparagus with balsamic tomato jus; and a tasty dessert of winter fruit spiced compote with a ginger crisp.

After dinner, MAARS Executive Director Eileen McCarthy took the podium, highlighting MAARS' 2006 achievements and 2007 goals, and thanking all attendees for their ongoing support of MAARS and its programs. She then presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Tina McCormick, Director of Operations and MAARStore Manager, for her seven years of all-around, dedicated volunteer service. Jamie McCarthy, MAARS Volunteer & Training Director, then recognized and thanked all the MAARS Volunteer Staff for their hard work and presented Volunteer of the Year Awards to volunteers Sue Larson and Jill Gannon, in recognition of their exceptional work in caring for MAARS birds and promoting MAARS services. Guest host Eleanor Mondale then addressed the crowd, speaking from the heart about the valuable services MAARS provides to both displaced parrots and adopters, like herself. She then started the much-anticipated raffle drawing — three winning raffle tickets were drawn from the basket as the crowd held its breath, groaned, and cheered for the lucky winner of each coveted electronics item. Finally, top silent auction bidders collected their new treasures, knowing that their generous donations were also making a tangible difference for the MAARS flock.

MAARS would like to thank all individuals and businesses that donated silent auction items and everyone who came out to make this evening such a success. We hope that everyone who attended will become a MAARS Supporting Flock Member. As always, a special thanks goes out to our Volunteer Staff, and to Lauren, Nichole, Ginger, Emily, and Jade, who worked the event. We look forward to seeing everyone again next fall!

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