My parents raised me to view the time that I have and the money I make as part of a bigger picture. It is not all about me. We always participated in philanthropic events, volunteering time and resources to causes that we feel truly seek to better lives. There is very little in the world that makes you feel so accomplished as when you are helping those in need.
My position at Heritage Auctions has presented me with a singular opportunity to take part in the company’s Charity department and fall is quite the season for events. In September I was honored to serve with Heritage Auctions at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Benefit Auction. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation is one of the leading cancer research organizations in the world today and has accomplished some really amazing things to ‘bring courage, strength and grit into the fight against cancer’. For as long as I can remember, I have been inundated and in love with John Wayne movies.
As a child I remember always watching John Wayne movies with my Dad, so frequently that the western icon pretty much taught me how to ride a horse and shoot a gun. Even now, at 26, I love to pull out ‘McClintock’, ‘The Searchers’, ‘Flying Tigers’ or ‘Eldorado’. I always imagined myself scooped up on to the back of a dapper horse ridden by the oh-so-handsome, John Wayne (occasionally it was Pernell Roberts from Bonanza). Of course, he would be rescuing me from some terrible fate brought on by evil cowboys, we would fight our way through their ranks to freedom and I would fall madly in love with the long tall cowboy who possesses the perfect balance of gentle and kind yet tough as nails qualities. The fantasies of a young, Texas country girl.
You can now imagine that excitement did not come close to describing how I felt about being able to meet his family and support an institution that has been so integral to my growing up years.
The auction began online as all Heritage sponsored auctions do and ended with a live auction and private event in Dallas at Bistro 360. Invitees enjoyed a fine Texas steak dinner and between Mike Saddler, the auctioneer calling the live bidding, and the lively participants, (cowboy hats, bolo ties and all), the event stayed lively and engaging! As right hand assistant to the auctioneer, I helped to ‘Vanna White’ lots as they were being auctioned off as several other Heritage team members watched for bidders and kept track of who won what items. There was no shortage of energy or enthusiasm throughout the bidding. The evening ended with a stunning musical performance from Jennifer Wayne and Runaway June. Through items donated to the auction by the Wayne family and various other donors, The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Benefit Auction raised over $30,000.
The JWCF Benefit Auction is just one of the many charity events Heritage Auctions has hosted this season, all organized by Kristen Shultz, the department’s director. To see what other great things we are doing, visit our Charity Auction department.
By Kathryn Hoogendoorn