Gilford craftsman donates wrought iron table to United Way's Sweetheart Auction

When Ray Haidaichuk heard about the upcoming Sweetheat Auction to benefit Lakes Region United Way, he jumped at the opportunity to support the event. With 55 years of experience working with metal and welding, Haidaichuk refitted piping at major construction projects and buildings in the Boston area as a member of Local 537. After retirement, his craftsmanship carried over into creating wrought iron furniture, candle and flower holders, and decorative art pieces in his Gilford workshop.

Haidaichuk donated a wrought iron table with a glass top to the 8th annual auction to be held at Patrick's Pub in Gilford on Tuesday, February 9. Valued at $1,200, the exquisite wrought iron design includes a dragonfly, flower and leaves, and cat-o-nine tails with a snake on the bottom. The table has a bronze powder coated finish, measures 24" in diameter and 21" high. It can be used indoors or outside.

"I don't count the hours when I'm in my workshop, as it's really something I do because I enjoy it so much," Haidaichuk shared. "I wanted to do something good for the community, so donating to United Way's auction was a perfect match. And I know the person who takes home my table will enjoy it for many, many years. That makes me feel good about my donation."

The auction offers a variety of items for bidding, including sports items, clothing, jewelry, venue tickets, theme baskets, handcrafted and art items, and gift certificates from restaurants and businesses for products, services and lodging. Other donations include white 14K diamond pierced earrings and pendant necklace from Lakes Region Jewelers, a $1,000 Salmon Press advertising certificate, Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion VIP tickets and parking donated by Meadowbrook and GMI Asphalt, Gunstock season pass through 2011, a vacation getaway for four people from InnSeason Resorts, a panoramic aerial photo of Lake Winnipesaukee from Bill Hemmel of Lakes Region Aerial Photo, Boston Bruins autographed hockey pucks, and a three credit course certificate from Lakes Region Community College.

Donations can be dropped off or mailed to Lakes Region United Way at 95 Water Street in Laconia. The auction preview will begin at 5 p.m, with live and silent auction bidding starting at 6 p.m. A preview of auction items is featured on LRPA-TV Channel 25 Living United in the Lakes Region show. Proceeds will benefit programs focused on education, income and healthy communities. To learn more or view the preview list, go to www.lruw.org, call Judi Taggart at 524-6864 x104 or email judi@lruw.org.