By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – It’s time again to get some of the greatest bargains imaginable and help dozens of regional charities at the same time.
That may sound too good to be true, but they are the facts behind the annual Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Auctions in August silent auction that was started in 2008.
Auctions in August is an incredible charity event that allows anyone to donate items for the online auction that continues throughout the month, and the person donating the item is allowed to designate any charity organization where the money will go.
The result has been over $1.4 million raised for charity since the event was started by Bank President Guy Williams.
Besides charities getting plenty of money sent their way from the hundreds of auction items, those who go online to gulfbank.com will find a most amazing lineup of items to bid on. And the bargains for many of those items are incredible.
“No doubt it is a great time to buy Christmas gifts, or something great for yourself or your loved ones,” said Marketing Director Sheila Englert. “There are hundreds of amazing items to bid on, and the great part is that all the money goes to charity groups.”
Just take a look at some of these top-rated items found at: gulfbank.com.
–Saints football package to Boston to play the New England Patriots on Oct. 8. Four-night hotel stay at the Omni, plus airfare, tickets and other extras. Value of trip: $3,500. Minimum Bid: $450.
–Presidential Yacht Trip: You and 29 guests will enjoy a cruise on Lake Pontchartrain. Value: $1,000. Minimum Bid: $450.
–Portofino Beach Front Condo in Pensacola: One week stay between Oct. 30 to March 28, 2024. Newly renovated beachfront unit, sleeps seven. Value: $5,500. Minimum bid: $2,000.
–On-site catered BBQ feast for 50 people: Mazant National Competition BBQ Team offers this amazing dinner with brisket, pulled pork, ribs and more. Value: $2,000. Minimum Bid: $1,000.
Then there are hundreds of other items not nearly as expensive, with plenty of gift baskets, printers, tickets, art, cameras, clothing, and lots of gift cards. Here are a few other examples:
–Pearl and Diamond Earrings: 14K gold earrings with .20 CT diamonds and pearls. Value: $800. Minimum bid: $80.
–New Orleans Pelicans Hub Club suite: Two tickets for six games. Value: $3,300. Minimum Bid: $330.
–George Rodrigue Print: Number One Tiger Fan print by the famous artist. Value: $2,500. Minimum Bid: $550.
–North Dakota Pheasant Hunt: Stay in a lodge for four nights with three full days of hunting, meals provided and dogs ready to run. Value: $2,995. Minimum Bid: $300.
–Maui Jim Women’s Sunglasses: Value: $279. Minimum Bid: $30.