Chapter 29 – Ready for the Auction

The night was finally here for the silent auction. Tina and Alice had spent a frantic two days making sure all the details were in place. The girls had outdone themselves with over three hundred items to be organized and displayed. Alice had put together a catalog listing each item with a description which at times could only be described as pure Alice humor. Dana and Shane had arranged the items into categories to put some order to the large inventory. Tina was worried that they would run out of room to display all the items but somehow they managed to cram it all in. Each item was displayed with a card list describing the item, any distinguishing features (like signed by Dana Fairbanks) and then lines where the person could write in their name or identifying moniker and the amount they wanted to bid. At the end of the evening the last name, which is usually the largest bid, wins. Guests could either retrieve and pay for their item on their way out or come back the next day to claim their prizes. Jackie, Carol and Cindy were in charge of collecting and distributing the items.

Alice had lined up a caterer to serve light appetizers with a cash bar for drinks. Kit had called in a few markers and arranged the music by getting a three piece jazz ensemble to add atmosphere while everyone was milling around looking and making bids. Tall caf style tables were set up around so everyone would be comfortable. Tina was making a last walk around with Alice before they each were going to go home to spruce up and return for the nights events. The evening was scheduled to begin at 7 but Tina and Oscar had to be available for the live TV interview sometime between 6 and 6:30.
Oh my God this is all coming together. We are really pulling this off. Tina looks around in amazement.
Alice looking around with the same appreciation in her eyes: Well yeahI mean what do you mean. You couldnt ask for a better team and after all, I am in charge arent I? Alice just smiles at Tina because she herself had been wondering over the last few days What have I gotten myself into? but she would never let Tina know.
I still cant get over the amount of stuff we have. We might be able to raise close to $100,000 tonight. Just the thought amazes me.
Tina shakes her head just as amazed: You know Alice, I just cant thank all of you guys enough. I dont know if you guys realize just how much you have all done for me?
Alice understood that the meaning here was more than just this event: Yeah, I think we get it.
Tina: Listen Alice, I have something to tell you and this is as good of time as any. Last Saturday I saw Bette.
Alice nearly choked on her own spit: WhatWhere..I need details?
Tina: I went to the Farmers Market with the girls from the Oriana House and ran into her paintings. Did you know she was painting?
Alice felt caught in headlights now: I just found out in the last few weeks. Tina nodding, that answers one question. Those are Bettes pictures that are being auctioned arent they?
Alice was now getting a little shaky: Tina lets sit down and go through this.
Tina: Really Alice I dont know if we have enough time but I guess I want to know everything but for now lets skip to the chase, will she be here tonight?
Alice can see the hope in Tinas eyes as she asks this: AH..AHNo, we all of us came up with this idea as a way of getting her and you in the same room but Im afraid that part of the plan isnt going to work.
Tina eyes are getting shiny with unshed tears as she understands: I really didnt get a chance to talk to her, she seemed so fragile that I left. Tina trails off as if she is talking to herself. Tina pushed these thought to the back of her mind and turned to Alice: Well we will just catch up on that tomorrow, now lets go get cleaned up. Come on, lets go what do you say?
Alice didnt really know what to say so she just nodded and started to head for the door.