Two auctions benefit ASEV Eastern Section

Wines & Vines, May, 2009 by Hudson Cattell

King of Prussia, Pa. -- The American Society for Enology and Viticulture's (ASEV) Eastern Section scholarship program was the beneficiary of $14,075 raised through live and silent auctions at the Wineries Unlimited Conference and Trade Show in King of Prussia on March 11. Members of the grape and wine industry donated items auctioned live during the Best of the East Grand Gala and Tasting, including pallets of wine bottles, barrels, grapevines and corks.

Volunteer auctioneers Mark Bassel of Bruni Glass Packaging and Arthur Carmichael of CBIZ Insurance Services kept the proceedings lively for the 278 diners with a repeat performance of their spirited and sometimes zany bidding techniques that raised more than $17,500 in 2008. The silent auction gives attendees a chance to bid on smaller items such as pruning shears or books. Last year's auction provided scholarships for nine recipients from six states and Canadian provinces.

Ellie Butz, Eastern Section executive secretary, told Wine East, "The scholarship program event is very much a partnership. Members of the Eastern Section play an integral role in developing the seminar programs and procuring expert speakers."

Attendance this year at Wineries Unlimited was 1,389, and there were 234 exhibitors at the trade show.