CONTRIBUTED

Eighteen years ago the Episcopal Day School Auction began as a small intimate get-together in a patron's home.

It has now become an anticipated community event with more than 250 in attendance at the Pinehurst Fair Barn. "Everyone is welcome!" Is the message that EDS wants to extend to the surrounding community.

"We always appreciate an RSVP but we will accept paying guests at the door," says Ellen Marcus, EDS development coordinator. "At $25/person it's an inexpensive excuse to dress up. How much money you spend once you come in is up to you."

The casual dress-up affair (sparkles and jeans) is a relaxing and entertaining event. EDS parent, Courtney Kilpatrick, chairs the EDS's Development Committee for the Board of Trustees.

"We are so fortunate in having such a talented and creative group of parents, staff and alumni," she says. "But I really think it is their generosity and energy that has made our auction so successful. Everyone contributes in their own unique way from a beautiful hand sewn toddler tea set complete with matching apron to a week stay on pristine Emerald Isle."

Jazz saxophonist John Hatcher, from Southern Pines, has always had an ear for melody and dialect. He is also a vocalist who plays the bagpipes, is a registered piano technician and was a professor of French and Spanish at Sandhills Community College for 36 years. He is tuning in once again with EDS to provide the evening's entertainment.

Elliotts on Linden has agreed to cater the event, and the menu is a slowcooked, gussied-up, down-home Southern supper including; lobster hushpuppies, ginger-spiced melon kebabs, shrimp and grits on spoons, mini barbeque rolls, clam chowder, spiced braised brisket with cranberry onion chutney, truffled macaroni and cheese, chicken samosa with dipping sauce, chips accompanied with 12 dips, and a mini dessert display of baklava, lemon squares, mini-angel cakes and brownies.

The silent auction offers quiet competition of gift certificates from area restaurants, boutiques, spas, businesses and a wonderful array of gift baskets, pottery, art and furniture. On the gold table, rectifying Mother Nature is even possible with more than 10 different beauty treatment packages, from teeth whitening to restoring that youthful glow.

Professional auctioneer Paul Yoder will bring out the competitive spirit and liven up the night. Some of the highlights include a Lance Armstrong jersey that can be sent back to be personalized by Armstrong, orthodontics by Dr. Michael Henry, a weekend getaway at Hound Ears Club in Blowing Rock, and a gourmet canoe trip on the New River.

The auction is not just about shopping; it is a community affair. Next year EDS will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

"In the last half century EDS has educated thousands of grade-schoolers," says Malaika Albrecht, mother and a member of the auction's "thank you" committee. "The chance of running into someone you know is much less than six degrees of separation, in fact I think it's more like two."

"We are so grateful for the generous contributions we receive from more than 300 local businesses," says Jay St. John, headmaster of the school. "This is a great time for holiday shopping in every price range. Not only does this help the school, it helps the community through the Giving Tree. It's always a night to remember."

EDS started off the 2008 school year with the Giving Tree Campaign. EDS has always taken an active role in giving back to the community.

"On the eve of our 50th anniversary, EDS wanted to mark the occasion with the spirit of giving," says St. John.

The Giving Tree based on the book by Shel Silverstein and instills in youth a sense of responsibility. EDS students through out the year will be participating in numerous ways including planting apple trees at the Coalition for Human Care, collecting fruit for BackPack Pals, making and sending Christmas Cards to members of our armed forces serving overseas and collecting books for the Head Start Program.

The event is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday , Nov. 22.

Auction tickets are $25. Tickets for the 50/50 raffle are available at $100 each, and only 100 will be sold. The winner will receive $5,000 and EDS the other $5,000.

Tickets for the auction or raffle can be purchased at EDS by calling 692-3492.

Specific questions can be directed to Ellen Marcus at 603-2739.