Benefit auction set for February
Peabody Main Street Association is planning to another "sometimes annual, sometimes not" benefit auction in February. Traditionally the auction has been the funding mechanism for a major portion of the program. While the Main Street program has federal and state funding, not much of that money flows in the direction of participating cities after the first couple of years of membership.
Main Street cities must pay their own way and Peabody is no exception. The funds raised support training for staff and volunteers, participation in such promotions as the Kansas Sampler Festival, development of brochures, signage, the quarterly newsletter, and other community publicity, as well as expenses like insurance and supplies. Funds raised at the benefit auction often cover these obligations for more than just one year (thus the tag, "sometimes annual, sometimes not").
Popular auction items are memorabilia from the school system or community and one-of-kind items hand-crafted by alumni who would like to give something back to Peabody. Also available are the right to name both the sports complex at the city park and the circle drive that was once the race track in the park. The high bidder will select the name, we will order a sign that will stay in place for a year, and then the winner will receive the sign when we are ready to sell the rights again.
If you have old photos, post cards, calendars, posters, or Peabody advertising items in which you no longer have an interest, Peabody Main Street can use them. If you have a special talent or can something no one else can do, we could sure use your help!
Peabody Main Street has been in the business of preserving and promoting this community since 1989. Next year will be our 18th year in the program. The theme for the benefit auction will be "18 and legal" and we will host a big birthday bash for the town. We would love to have you and your classmates come back and visit, write us a letter of your memories of Peabody, or add to our list of donations for the auction.
Contact our Main Street director Kristen Hooper at 983-2174 or pmsa@peabodyks.com if you have questions, suggestions, or ideas for our auction. Peabody Main Street looks forward to hearing from you.
