- Details
- Category: Current Issue
'Promoting
Putnam'
Auction
set for Oct. 21
Special to the Putnam Town Crier
Jeff Rawson, president of the Putnam Business Association, recently announced that plans are progressing on the group’s latest fund-raiser, “Promoting Putnam” Sports Memorabilia and Art Auction. The goal of the event is to raise funds for the organization in its effort to market the benefits of Putnam as a tourist destination.
“Putnam has emerged in recent years as the center for commerce and entertainment in northeastern Connecticut. The many events that the community supports make it a prime location for not only members of our community but for the many visitors who come here throughout the year,” said Rawson.
The auction will feature a variety of autographed sports memorabilia ranging from baseballs and footballs to jerseys and tickets to college and professional games. The emergence of Putnam as an arts community has also made it possible for the auction to provide art work featuring noted local arts.
“We want this auction to attract the tastes of not only those individuals who collect sports memorabilia but also to individuals looking for other types of collectibles. The proceeds from this evening will go entirely to the Association and will be used to promote the many attractions that bring people to our community,” said Rawson.
Some of the early items that the organizing committee has secured include a basketball signed by former UConn men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun; a signed, framed photo of Chicago Bears great running back Gale Sayers; a collector’s football autographed by ex-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana; an autographed photo of the late basketball Hall of Famer Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain; a tee shirt signed by former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theisman; and a photo signed by former Patriot place kicker Adam Vinateri.
There are also a number of baseballs signed by such players as Rico Petrocelli, Dick Radatz, AJ Burnett, Bret Saberhagen and Bernie Carbo. A center piece item is a framed signed, Edgar Martinez Seattle Mariners jersey.
Local celebrity Carroll Spinney, who is noted as “Big Bird” has donated a painting of Oscar the Grouch playing golf, which is personally signed by Spinney. There are also a number of signed pieces by noted local artist Tom Menard, which will include certificates for framing at Arts & Framing in downtown Putnam.
According to Ronald P. Coderre, auction chairman, the auction is from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant. The live auction begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person.
“The Putnam Business Association has been instrumental in organizing or supporting many local events that have made our community very special. A successful auction will assist the organization in continuing its effort to promote our community as a destination for dining, the arts and theater and boutique shopping,” said Coderre.
The auctioneer for the event is the popular and entertaining Gene Michael Deary. He will be assisted on stage by emcee Josh Walsh of ESPN. Working with Coderre and Rawson on the organizing committee are Jim St. Jean, Dan Goyette, Roger Franklin, Greg King, David Landry, Troy Potter, Mike Madden, Meg Popiak, Liz Zachow and Sherri Sochor.