Children's Auction dedicates The Warren Bailey Studio to late founder

BELMONT — The headquarters of the 44th annual Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction was officially dubbed The Warren Bailey Studio, in memory of the founder who helped so many with his kindness and generosity, during the first morning of bidding Tuesday.

The start of the Children’s Auction is often hectic, while at the same time full of excitement and hope, as the annual event raises hundreds of thousands for area nonprofits helping youth.

“Super smooth and exciting kickoff,” said Executive Director Jenn Kelley. “We have a lot of people who are specifically here for the dedication of Warren Bailey Studio. We really encourage people to come by and watch us, participate, bid, drop off items, and just feel the magic here on the set.”

Members of Warren Bailey’s family were there for the presentation, including his wife Cheryl Bailey, daughter Ashley Bailey-Mcendarfer, grandchildren James and Abby Mcendarfer, and stepdaughter Cassie Rolland.

“Really, it is the community that is just honoring him,” Bailey said. “We’re just so thankful of the community we live in, and this legacy that will continue on. That’s the most important part for the children of the Lakes Region.”

She said to have something like this going for more than four decades says something about the Lakes Region and its people.

Bailey-Mcendarfer said this has been a huge part of the family’s lives every Christmas, just watching her father glow, and inspire others to help those around him.

“This is everything he ever wanted,” Bailey-Mcendarfer said. “No matter what the amount, every year he is still so stunned about how the community comes together, and how everyone is here to help any way they can. He would just be thrilled knowing that this is continuing."

Anyone who knew Warren Bailey will tell you about how inspiring he was. His smile was contagious, and everyone knew him as the voice of the Lakes Region as a radio personality. Warren Bailey used the power of the microphone for good, and that continues now with Zack Derby and Heather Bishop of Lakes 101.5 FM on Tuesday, as the duo got everyone amped up for a week that will ultimately benefit so many.

Derby called Warren Bailey an instrument in helping the community in a variety of ways.

“Radio is fun, but the main purpose is to serve the community,” Derby said during the broadcast. “Not just playing music and answering the phone, but finding a way to do more. To be able to give back. The auction has been able to do that with your support — individuals, organizations, different community members — for 44 years.”

Derby said that in Warren Bailey’s memory, Tilton Sign Works and other members of the community got together to create a plaque to commemorate Bailey’s contribution. The sign was designed by board member Jared Guilmett, and unveiled by Chair Doug Morrissette and Vice Chair Larry Poliquin in front of the opening day crowd.

“This sign shows that Warren was more than just being on air,” Morrissette said. “He does everything, so in his honor we wanted to make this The Warren Bailey Studio.”

The Children’s Auction received 82 grant applications this year, totaling $1.1 million, and if all are filled, they will assist 42,000 children. The auction is coming off a record-setting year that raised $763,344 for children and their families, with more than half coming from Pub Mania, coming up on Thursday. Before the start of the auction, Kelley set a goal of $900,000, and she has high hopes the community will respond.

Kelley admitted it might be like a broken record, but she had to say it again: “We always need more items, because the need is just so great.”

There are no items too big or too small to be auctioned off, and they can be dropped off all week at the studio at Belknap Marketplace, 96 Daniel Webster Hwy. Some items on the bid board on Tuesday included gift cards to local restaurants like Patrick’s Pub & Eatery, Cafe Deja vu, and the Common Man, and to the world’s largest arcade, Funspot.

The superboard was loaded with items, including a Husqvarna snow blower, a helicopter ride, season passes to Gunstock Mountain Resort, and tickets to see the Boston Red Sox and Bruins play donated by Fosters Tavern, New England Patriots tickets from Tilton Inn and Onions Pub and Restaurant, and Boston Celtics tickets donated by Cross Insurance.

These are just a few items out there for bid, and the list is expected to grow as the week goes on. Bishop said during the broadcast they have enough auction items for the next two days, she hopes people keep bringing in items to bid to keep the total rising. Kelley recommends people use the “max bid” function, which can be used on larger items with a value of $300 or higher.

The Vacation Group is the auction’s bell sponsor this year, and the company had staff members answering the phones to start the day. “Big High, Bid Often” is the mantra of the auction, and right out of the gate that seemed to be the case.

“We have an overbid,” Derby exclaimed into the mic, followed by a resounding cheer from everyone in the studio.

Auction leaders invite the community to continue to bid high, bid often, at childrensauction.com or by calling 603-527-0999.

Tune into the auction daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Friday, Dec. 12, in person at Belknap Marketplace, or on Lakes Region Public Access, channels 25 and 9002 on Breezeline, and Comcast channel 8.

Lakes 101.5 FM also broadcasts the event each day, and it is also streamed at laconiadailysun.com and childrensauction.com.