The Foundation’s annual auctions set new records in terms of number and variety of items offered for auction.

With the challenges of the economy, the 2009 Silent Auction Committee focused of acquiring more low cost items. As a result, this year’s selection included over 70 items, a 40% increase over prior years, and bidding on more than a third of the items started at less than $100.

Top sellers included outstanding sport memorabilia, including the extremely timely and highly desirable Penguins items acquired for auction by PBA Past President Ken Horoho, Jr., and assorted items of jewelry generously donated by the Erie County Bar Association and the Foundation Board of Directors.

Many thanks to those who supported our auctions. Auction net proceeds provide the primary support for the Foundation’s James W. Stoudt Memorial Scholarship Program, an initiative that presently provides two $1,500 scholarships, one of which is specifically designated for support of a minority law school student, to each of the eight accredited law schools serving Pennsylvania. The scholarship program also serves to strengthen the ranks of the PBA as PBA law student electronic membership is a pre-requisite to receiving scholarship funds.

It’s not too early to begin thinking about how you might support Foundation of Treasures 2010. The search for auction item donors and auction sponsors is a year-around venture.