Looking Ahead to ‘Going Once, Going Twice ...’

Apr 15, 2019 Re-posted from the April 2019 issue of Vascular Specialist

Auction items continue to come in for the SVS Foundation’s Vascular Spectacular gala, one of the highlights of the Vascular Annual Meeting in June. Proceeds will benefit the SVS Foundation.

Winning bidders could spend two nights at the storied Greenbrier, a National Historic Landmark and a top resort in West Virginia. Those who enjoy skiing or mountain climbing, or perhaps world-class fishing and hiking might find the one-week stay at a condo near downtown Breckenridge, Colo., tickles their fancy.

Also available are a fashionable alligator clutch bag, a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses and the chance to take a trip back to the days of early America with admission tickets to Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.

These and more will be available at either the live (on-site only) or silent auctions. Gala co-chairs Drs. Cynthia Shortell and Ben Starnes expect spirited bidding at both.

The Vascular Spectacular begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the riverfront ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. With VAM still two months away, plenty of time remains to contribute auction offerings, said Drs. Starnes and Shortell, urging members to consider what they can donate. Suggestions include tickets, vacation destinations, restaurant gift certificates, gift cards, products. “Everything, big or small, is welcome, and the sky is the limit,” said Dr. Starnes.

Not only are all SVS members and their friends and colleagues encouraged to donate to the auction, they also can make bids, from the Gaylord or from the screened-in porch at home, in the case of the silent auction. Electronic bidding of all silent auction items will begin in late May, closing during the Spectacular itself. Bidders can set up alerts for their items of interest and even see precisely just who is after the same item or items.

The gala also will include cocktails, dinner and entertainment. Tickets are limited (nearly 400 already have been sold) and are $250 each, of which $150 is a tax-deductible donation to the SVS Foundation.

To donate or purchase tickets, visit VAM19gala.givesmart.com. To learn more about the gala itself, visit vsweb.org/Gala19.

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