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Crystal Beach Group Plans Auction

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: February 7, 2009

CRYSTAL BEACH - This year's sixth annual Crystal Beach Community Association silent auction fundraiser promises to be a lavish "Night of Wine and Roses."

Festivities kick off at 4 p.m., today, Saturday, Feb. 7, at Town Hall, on Crystal Beach Avenue, when bargain hunters begin perusing and bidding on more than $20,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates.

Robin Bleier, auction committee co-chairman, said in an e-mail message, organizers have worked hard to obtain a wide range of items for bidding, assuring the auction will feature something for everyone to bid on.

Some bids start as low as $5, while others go into the hundreds of dollars.

Items that will be on the block will range from a stay at a vacation rental and evenings of luxury to gift certificates for restaurants and entertainment venues. There will also be service certificates for automotive and personal care or other needs.

In addition, a wide variety of art, home decor, sports related items and other special bargains will be up for bid.

Evening festivities will include food and beverages provided by Paul Scagnelli. Scagnelli owns Eddie's Bar and Grill, in Dunedin, 13 Cafe and Lounge, in Safety Harbor, and Oz Ladies and Gentlemen's Club, in Largo.

Scagnelli also donated more than 50 bottles of fine wines for the popular mystery wine purchase. For $20 participants purchase an unidentified, covered, bottle of wine. Last year one person paid $20, expecting a modestly priced vintage, and uncovered a Merlot worth $110.

Among the covered wines are higher priced: Hall Cabernet, Brunello Di Montalcino, Tassinaia, Frogs Leap and CSM. Other wines in the mix will include Sterling, Greg Norman, Mondavi and Wyndham Estates

At this year's auction, some items feature a "buy-now" opportunity for bargain hunters who want to avoid the bidding process and make a purchase for one dollar over the established value. There will also be a special table with articles to tempt impulse shoppers.

There is no admission charge for the event, but anyone planning to sample the complimentary beverages must purchase a Crystal Beach beer stein or wine goblet, both of which cost $6.

A bagpiper will provide musical entertainment at 6 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by Kris Hull, a classical pianist performing lyrical pieces by Chopin.

Crystal Beach Avenue is south of Alderman Road, on the west side of Alt. 19.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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