7th Annual NEF Lighthouse Online and Live Auction

2014 NEF Lighthouse Auction to benefit the Newburyport Public Schools

Cash Bar and Complimentary Dinner Buffet

Everyone is invited to participate in this public event to support the Newburyport Public Schools. The Lighthouse Auction is the NEF’s largest fundraiser of the year. Over the past four years, the auction has raised more than $300,000 for the Newburyport Public Schools. 

“We hope our supporters will share this online opportunity with friends and family near and far because it’s a convenient way to buy gifts and support the Newburyport Public Schools at the same time,” said Jeff Gray, event chairman. “Online bidding gives grandparents, aunts, uncles, family and friends the opportunity to do holiday shopping for an incredible experience, dream vacation, and one-of-a-kind gift while directly benefitting students here in Newburyport.”

The goal of the Newburyport Education Foundation (NEF) is to raise much-needed funds to enhance education in ways the city budget simply does not allow. Part of the upcoming campaign will focus on the transformation of the upper elementary and middle school library. The NHS and Bresnahan libraries are now state of the art—Nock/Molin is next with the help of funds raised at this auction.

“We hope the community will buy tickets and join us for dinner while shopping for auction items,” said Rosemary Turgeon, volunteer leading the donation coordination. “This is a night when families, business partners and faculty come together to support our schools. Not only do the local businesses help out, but families, teachers and students get involved with classroom donations. These are often some of our most popular bids! We offer many popular experiences such as ice cream with the kindergarten teachers, surfing lessons with John Reynolds (a 7th grade science teacher) and golfing with Eileen Whitney( a 3rd grade teacher) and more.”
 
Classroom gifts will be displayed at Nicholson Hall during the silent auction and hundreds of exciting items will be auctioned off including: a block party featuring The Bridge, the Ipswich Ale Truck and Metzy’s Taco Truck; an evening of wine and jazz with Danny Harrington featuring Habib’s Home Cooking and Chococoa’s Whoopie Pies; VIP parking pass for Bresnahan student pick up; golf at some of the area’s finest courses; authentic Indian Cuisine dinner prepared by Afroz Kahn (delivered locally); a private charter on the Yankee Clipper; a private pizza party upstairs at Upper Deck Stone Pizza; a bowling party at Leo’s Superbowl with transportation by Moonlight Limousine; an acting lesson with actor Steve Blackwood of Days of Our Lives fame; vacation homes throughout New England and autographed memorabilia from the Red Sox, the Bruins, and the Patriots.

Also new this year, the “Timing is Everything” drawing sponsored by MK Benatti Jewelers includes a pair of Movado 800 series his and her watches. Hers is embellished with diamonds. Total value is $2,590. Each ticket is $20. Tickets can be purchased at MK Benatti Jewelers, online or the evening of the auction.
The live and silent auction will be held Saturday, November 15^th, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. at the Nicholson Hall, 9 Harris Street, Newburyport. Local favorite, Rob Ouellette, a well-known local education supporter and businessman, will be the master of ceremonies for the evening. Admission price includes a complimentary dinner buffet, hors' doeuvres and a cash bar (with all profits benefiting the NEF). Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 if purchased at the door) and can be purchased at www.NewburyportEF.org/auction. Raffle tickets for chances to win a grand prize of an Apple Watch and many other great items are also on sale now. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and can be purchase online at www.NewburyportEF.org/auction. Winners will be drawn at 8 pm on November 15 and need not be present to win.