WAVERLY TWP. — The 17th annual Countryside Conservancy “In The Woods” auction will provide patrons an opportunity to bid on a vacation or local artwork while also helping the environment.
The event, scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at the Waverly Country Club, will feature more than 100 items for silent and live bidding.
“Over the years, the silent and live auction offerings have changed with the times, but the general structure of the event has remained consistent,” Countryside Conservancy Office Manager Shannon Cantner said. “The only major change has been the institution of the BidPal smartphone app in place of written bids for the silent auction. This change has made it easier for auction-goers to keep track of their bids on multiple items while still enjoying the rest of the event.”
The auction raised approximately $50,000 last year and more than $700,000 since 1999.
After hosting the event at several locations throughout the years, the conservancy decided to return to Waverly Country Club a few years ago.
“The auction originally started there, but moved several times,” Cantner said. “In 2013, we decided to go back to our roots. It’s centrally located for our attendees and provides a warm atmosphere, great food, and a beautiful setting for all to enjoy.”
Greystone Gardens, of Clarks Summit, began providing the decor for the auction four years ago and Cantner believes their contributions have added a beautiful touch to the event.
“One of our committee members suggested reaching out to Paul Epsom for table decorations,” she said. “As a longtime supporter of the conservancy, and especially of the Trolley Trail, he countered our request with not only an affirmative on the table decorations, but also offered to supply dozens of potted plants and shrubs for the décor. Every year, Paul and his team have come up with a wonderful variety of vegetation depending on what is currently flowering.”
Funds raised through the auction allow the conservancy to continue its efforts of protecting and connecting greenspace in and near the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed for the public benefit, now and for future generations.
“Proceeds through this auction also support our Trolley Trail project, a non-motorized walking and biking trail that follows the original alignment of the Northern Electric Trolley through the Abingtons and beyond,” Cantner said. “Phase 1, from Clarks Summit to Dalton, was completed in 2014 and Phase 2, through Keystone College’s campus, is set to go into construction by this fall.”
According to Cantner, the event’s success stems from the support of sponsors, donors, attendees and committee members.
“I believe people enjoy being among friends, neighbors and others whose hearts are passionate about our land conservation efforts,” she said. “They also enjoy a night of good food, entertainment from the Scranton-based band Music for Models, and bidding on the wonderful items.”
