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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesFriends of V.I. National Park Has ‘Best Ever’ Online Auction

Friends of V.I. National Park Has ‘Best Ever’ Online Auction

The 5th Annual Friends of V.I. National Park Online Auction raised over $43,600 this year, just beating last year’s total for the popular fundraiser.
Friends is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural resources of Virgin Islands National Park and to promoting the responsible enjoyment of this unique national treasure. All money raised from the auction will support Friends and assist it in continuing its work on behalf of the park, which includes 23 programs and projects this year.
Karen Vahling, development director for Friends, said, “People love shopping for a good cause, especially when all of the proceeds benefit our V.I. National Park, and some people actually build their vacations around lodging, activities and items from our auction. We had 67 items – more than ever – which sold over the three-week auction period that ended Dec. 8th. We had everything from villa stays to excursions, jewelry, art, services and retail items. Response from our local businesses has been great, and they enjoy being featured on this popular online event.”
The top seller of the auction was a seven-night stay at the luxury villa “On a Clear Day…,” which sold for $5,500 and was valued at over $12,000. Other top items included an emerald and diamond pendant, necklace and earring suite from R&I PATTON and yachting excursions to the British Virgin Islands, some selling below retail value.
Some items sold for more than retail value as bidders showed generous support for the national park. Kim Holland of Asolare sold her mobile aged-rum tasting experience for more than double the retail value, and she will again feature her aged rum tasting bar at the Friends gala on Feb. 1. Contact Friends at 779-4940 for more information or to buy gala or raffle tickets — on sale now and going fast.
Friends will continue to hold the online auction around the same time in years to come, giving holiday shoppers and vacation seekers a great opportunity to find something unique and do some good at the same time. Friends would like to thank all the donors who made the auction possible, their media partners for helping them to get the word out and of course, all the bidders who clicked and shopped online for the good cause.

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