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Lively Auction Honors Past Leaders, Raises Funds for the Future

March 20, 2023 — AASV Staff

Thanks to record-setting cash contributions - many made in memory of longtime foundation leader and donor Dr. K.T. Wright - and spirited bidding in the live and silent auctions, the AASV Foundation's 2023 fundraiser achieved its second-highest total ever, and the most in the past ten years: $129,140! The funds raised by the auction support scholarships, research grants, travel stipends, externship grants, student debt relief, and more. The annual fundraiser was held in conjunction with the AASV Annual Meeting in Aurora, Colorado.

Electronic bidding for silent auction items opened on ClickBid in February and continued during the meeting until the evening of Monday, March 6. A leaderboard near the AASV registration desk kept attendees apprised of the current winning bidder for each item. In the end, the 62 donated items generated $13,890 in winning bids. As donors have done for the past couple of years, they will ship their items directly to the winning bidders.

For the twelfth consecutive year, AASV member Dr Shamus Brown generously contributed his auction-calling skills to the live auction, which featured a hybrid electric bicycle, vacation opportunities, firearms, hunting and fishing trips, sporting events, diagnostic lab training, and more.

The five "tailgate paloozas" offered in the live auction proved popular again this year. The football tickets and tailgate parties hosted at schools across the country (Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas State, Minnesota, and North Carolina State) generated $20,000 in total proceeds. Bidding was fast and furious to secure the school of choice, and the top palooza bid of $5250 was made for the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

The live auction concluded with the sale of an original ink and watercolor painting by Carol Rodibaugh titled "Witness Love." The painting was created in memory of her husband, former AASV President Dr. Max Rodibaugh, and featured an inspirational quote that held meaning for Max and his family as he battled the glioblastoma that ultimately claimed his life.

Bidding for the painting took off like a shot and bids flew rapid-fire across the room from one bidder to another and back again as several individuals and groups vied for the painting. When the winning bid was finally called at $10,400, the entire assembly rose in a standing ovation. It was only after the clapping subsided and everyone was seated again that the buyer was revealed to be Andrew Kleis of Insight Wealth Group.

The live auction items raised $58,450, slightly more than the $56,800 in generous monetary contributions, bringing the grand total (including $13,890 from the silent auction) to $129,140. For the complete list of donors and auction items, including the winning bids and bidders, see https://www.aasv.org/foundation/2023/auctionlist.php.

Dr Brown was assisted in the auction by Wes Johnson, who served as auction clerk, and ring men Drs. Jordan Graham, Andy Kryzer, Levi Johnson, Chase Stahl, John Van Blarcom, and John Waddell. The 2023 Auction Committee was led by co-chairs Drs Chase Stahl, John Waddell, and Butch Baker.

Thank you to ALL who made a contribution, donated an item, or placed a bid on items in the auction. Thanks to your generosity, the auction raised $129,140 for the AASV Foundation!

AASV staff contributed to or researched this story. For more information about the AASV, please visit http://www.aasv.org/.