Going. . . Going . . . Sold!
Wheeling Heritage Red Carpet Auction Benefits Oglebay Institute

WHEELING, W.Va. (October 27, 2009) - -Presented by the Gala Group, the Wheeling Heritage Red Carpet Auction takes place November 12 and 13, 2009 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center and offers bidders an opportunity to purchase beautiful and interesting pieces of Ohio Valley history donated by longtime residents. All proceeds support Oglebay Institute.

Event organizers are encouraging everyone to attend this event, which celebrates Ohio Valley heritage and improves the quality of life in our community by supporting the hundreds of art, nature, dance, theater, music and history programs offered year-round by Oglebay Institute.

Many great items are up for grabs including artwork, china, silver, crystal, furniture, decorative and functional glassware, vintage jewelry and much more.

This semi-formal event includes a wine and cheese preview party from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 12, which features a silent auction as well as a preview of the live auction items. The live auction takes place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, November 13 and features heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar.

“One of the interesting aspects of this fundraiser is that all of the auction items have been donated by local families so we know some of the history behind them,” Oglebay Institute President Kathleen McDermott said.

She added that this fundraiser is a great fit for Oglebay Institute because it reflects a lot of the focus areas of the cultural organization such as art, heritage and even living green. “People are ‘recycling’ some of their forgotten treasures for new families to use and enjoy.”

Jenny Seibert of the Gala Group said the group’s mission is to benefit citizens, businesses and organizations of the Upper Ohio Valley through event planning and fundraising. The Red Carpet Heritage Auction is a biennial event with the first one taking place in 2007, featuring more than 200 items and raising more than $15,000 for a Wheeling organization.

“We are very excited to host this event to support Oglebay Institute because of all of the wonderful things this organization brings to our community,” Seibert said.

“We are extremely grateful to the Gala Group for holding this event,” McDermott said. “They are very committed to the organization and its mission. It has been great working with them.”

Organizers explained that “history” and “culture” mean different things to different people so they expect auction attendees to be a diverse group with many interests, who enjoy bidding on a range of items from many eras and in all price ranges.

Auction items are still being accepted and donating is easy and tax-deductible. Just call 304.905.0043, and event organizers will pick up auction items

Help make the Wheeling Heritage Red Carpet Auction a smashing success! For tickets or more information call Oglebay Institute at 304.242.4200.