Judi Taggart, LRUW Sweetheart Auction Chair

To the editor,

Theholiday season has passed. Allthe turkeyand canned goods providedto Lakes Regionfamilies have been consumed, butthe needto provideour neighbors with food and sheltercontinues.Withsupport from many individuals and businesses, Lakes Region United Way's 3rd Annual Sweetheart Auction raised almost $19,000 to address these needs. I am writing to thankthe folks who made thisauction so successful, and to offer others a way to be part of the solution.

Heartfelt thanks to Patrick's Pub& Eatery in Gilford — the Beetles and staff for hosting theauction, to P.K. Zyla for his livelypresentation of auction items, and to Rutter Media and to LRPA-TV Channel 25 fortelevision advertising promotions.Local newspapers printed our auction ad which helped to remind donors and bidders to support our efforts.

Sanbornton glass artist Toland Sand generously donated an exquisite glass sculpture titled 'Transaxis Dichroicube' that raised $5,000. Leading the way in donating auction items were: Ames Farm Inn, Salmon Press,Off Price Furniture, Laconia Athletic & Swim Club, Inns at Mill Falls, Curran Management Services, Ippolito's Furniture,Patrick's Pub & Eatery, Meadowbrook, Line-X, The Citizen, NH Community Technical College, MetroCast Cablevision, Verizon Wireless/Eastern Dragon Karate andthe Laconia Daily Sun.

While space does not allow me to publicly address everyone who made this event successful, over 200gift certificates, Valentine's gifts, B&B lodging, sportsitems and memorabilia, ski passes, jewelry, boating items, framed photos and prints, savings bond certificates, clothingand other itemswere awarded to the highest bidders. Sincere thanks toall donors, bidders and volunteers who were part of this event. It is a privilege towork with such a dedicated group of folks in such a beautiful area of New Hampshire.

To help feed hungry families, non-perishable food items were collected at the auction. I challenge others to be part of thiseffort. Check your cabinets, put aside extraitems anddeliver whatever you canto The Salvation Army, Carey House at 6 Spring Street, corner of Union Avenue in Laconia, or call them at 528-8086. With much appreciation,

Judi Taggart, LRUW Sweetheart Auction Chair

Gilford