FutureHeights auction kicks off in November

The 11th annual FutureHeights Online Auction will take place in November. The auction will feature hundreds of items, ranging from one-of-a-kind experiences to gift cards from many area merchants.

“Our local merchants have unique items that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Deanna Bremer Fisher, executive director of FutureHeights. Residents can preview auction items beginning Oct. 7, and bidding runs Nov. 6–22 at www.biddingforgood/futureheights.

"The auction is a lot of fun," said Rebecca Price, co-chair of the FutureHeights Online Auction Committee. “Bidders can get some amazing bargains on gift certificates to local restaurants and shops, handmade jewelry, tickets to sporting events, and unique getaways. Local business donors receive terrific online presence throughout the auction's run, and a tax deduction.”

This year’s auction will include a private tour of the permanent collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art for a group of four people. It will also feature a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. That tour enables a group of six people to go into the Hall of Fame’s vault and see artifacts that the general public does not have access to. It also includes a guided tour of the museum and free VIP parking.

Another highlight of the 2015 auction is a free house concert by local musician Charlie Mosbrook, a folk singer-songwriter who has been on the Cleveland music scene for decades, and who has released 11 CDs over the course of his career.

The auction also offers a free dinner with four Cleveland Heights musicians: Kevin Richards, who plays guitar and sings with local bands, including the Spyder Stompers and Sugar Pie; Irwin Weinberger, who plays several instruments—including guitar, ukulele, mandolin and banjo—and performs as a solo musician and with the Yiddishe Cup Klezmer Band; Emily Austin, who has spent more than 20 years as a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus; and Emily’s husband, Phil Austin, who is a contrabassoonist in the Cleveland Orchestra.

Heights resident Jonathon Sawyer, local chef and restaurateur who owns the Greenhouse Tavern, Noodlecat and Trentina, has donated a cookbook and gift cards to some of his restaurants. Other local merchants have also donated gift cards, including Tommy’s, City Buddha, Nighttown, Record Revolution, Next, Eddy’s on Coventry, Blush Boutique, Bodega, Revolution Books and Bon Appetit.

Other Heights retailers—including Coventry merchants In the 216, Big Fun, Mac’s Backs and Sunshine Too—have donated unique items for the auction.

FutureHeights is still collecting items for the auction, and many more will be available when the auction kicks off.

Sponsors of the FutureHeights online auction are Simply Charming, Motorcars, realtor Susan Delaney of Howard Hanna, and Keller National. Auction proceeds benefit the work of FutureHeights—a nonprofit organization that publishes the Heights Observer and works to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for the Heights. FutureHeights usually raises $15,000 to $18,000 from the auction. This year’s goal is $18,500.

Anyone who has questions or wants to donate items to the auction can call FutureHeights at 216-320-1423.

James Henke

James Henke, a Cleveland Heights resident, was a writer and editor at Rolling Stone magazine for 15 years. He is also the author of several books, including biographies of Jim Morrison, John Lennon and Bob Marley.

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Volume 8, Issue 10, Posted 6:12 PM, 09.30.2015