For more information, contact:
Lisa Goss, Communications Specialist, 216/916-6134
May 4, 2016 (Cleveland, OH) – The WVIZ/PBS Live Televised Auction concluded its 49th season early in the morning of Monday, May 2—four days, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of items later—having raised $420,454. All proceeds benefit WVIZ/PBS ideastream programming and public service.
The success of the 2016 WVIZ/PBS Live Televised Auction (April 28-May 1) was fueled by the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses who donated a variety of items and/or provided underwriting support, as well as by the bidders competing to get in the highest bid. The donations were obtained by Go-Getter volunteers, many of whom also played roles in front of or behind the cameras during the live broadcast (totaling more than 40 hours) that unfolded over this past weekend.
Destination boards, which encouraged viewers to enjoy some of the entertaining and rich resources found in specific Northern Ohio communities, were highlighted again this year. Participating community destinations included Beachwood, Canton, Fairport Harbor, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Madison, Rocky River, Seville and Tremont. And Wine Night on Saturday, April 30, uncorked some friendly competition and enthusiastic bidding for unique collections and hard-to-find wines.
“Wine Night is a celebration of great wine, some amazing Wine Steals and the generous donors who support the terrific works of WVIZ/PBS and the excellent public service and programs provided to the community in both the living room and the classroom.” said Dan Greathouse, President of Heidelberg Vineyards, who—along with Keith Morris, Vice President and National Sales Manager for Cline Cellars and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, and wine importer and sommelier Janine Poleman—hosted the Auction Wine Night, an auction tradition.
Items are already being accepted for the 2017 WVIZ/PBS Live Televised Auction. Donors receive valuable on-air TV promotion, and donations are tax-deductible. Information is available by calling 216-916-6154 or visiting wviz.org/auction/donate-items.
The 2016 WVIZ/PBS Live Televised Auction was sponsored by KeyBank, Nordson Corporation, PNC and Westfield Insurance Group, with additional support from The Sherwin-Williams Company and Miceli’s.
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The mission of ideastream is to strengthen our communities. ideastream pursues this mission as a multiple media public service organization by providing distinctive, thought-provoking programs and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain.