THATCHER — Multi-media proved to be the difference maker in an auction to raise money to help the local library.
A radio auction Friday to benefit the Friends of the Safford Library also used social media, instant messaging and even texting to raise about $8,000.
“It exceeded all my expectations,” said Graham County Supervisor Paul David, who helped organize the auction. “I thought being the very first event there’d be some hiccups, there’d be some quiet air time, but people were responsive and overly generous. The radio stations, by throwing in a couple of Cardinals games and cornhole boards, they just were wonderful hosts and what a great part of our community.”
The three-hour live auction Friday morning was simulcast on Kat Kountry 94.5 FM and KATO 1230 AM, and featured auctioneer Brooks Knight.
Donated items came from throughout the Gila Valley, including tickets for two Arizona Cardinals games from Double R Communications; framed original works of art by Wood Hart Sr. and prints from artist Tim Cox; autographed sports memorabilia from stars such as UFC fighter Justin Gaethje, retired Major Leaguer Beau Allred and retired NFL pro and AFC Rookie of the Year Paul Robinson, as well as local coaching legends; solar panels from Sun Pumps; private airplane flights; gift certificates to local stores and restaurants; and more.
The Friends of the Safford Library were formed in 1976 to support and fund-raise for programs at the Safford City-Graham County Library. The all-volunteer Friends sponsor numerous programs for the library, including Open Book Club, Friends Night Out, Gila Valley Arts Council performances, Fun with Math and Science and the English Language Learner Program among others.
To learn more about the Friends of the Safford Library, to donate or to volunteer, go to Friends of the Library, Safford City-Graham county, Arizona (saffordlibraryfriends.org).
