LARGO - No it's not an auction on E Bay, it's right off of West Bay, or rather, on the Internet at www.largoarts.cmarket.com. The Largo Cultural Center recently announced that during the month of November, starting on Wednesday, November 1 at 8 a.m. holiday shoppers, rock fans, autograph hounds, collectors, web surfers, bargain hunters, shopaholics, patrons of the arts and everybody else not mentioned, can compete virtually online for a chance to win spectacular goods and services, including guitars and drum heads signed by musicians and bands that recently appeared on stage at the center. Proceeds from the auction will go to support the Cultural Center's arts and arts education programs.
The online auction is the first computer-driven fundraiser presented by the Center, which is physically located at 105 Central Park Drive in the heart of Largo Central Park.
The idea for the auction expands the domain of the typical fundraiser. A bonus for Largo area residents is that they can view the autographed instruments live in the Center's lobby, then go home and watch the competition from their easy chairs on their laptops. And speaking of the competition, it's going to be fierce because everyone on the planet is invited to "attend" the auction.
"Conducting our signature fundraiser on the Internet will allow us to reach an even greater number of donors and raise the funds necessary to help underwrite our arts and arts education initiatives," asserts Colin Bissett, the Center's manager.
Autographed musical instruments going on the virtual block are from the Center's recent head liners and include: Colin Hay; the Little River Band; Molly Hatchet; The Buckinghams; Dave Mason; B.J. Thomas; Janis Ian and Martin Fry.
Also up for auction will be a one-week-stay vacation getaway, delicious dinners, spa packages, unique gifts, plus tickets for front row seats at upcoming Largo Cultural Center shows with even more auction items to come.
The auction catalog is still growing, so anxious bidders need to be sure to visit the Center or call them at (727) 587-6751 or simply log on to the auction web site at, www.largoarts.com to get an update on what's up for bid.
Kind and generous individuals and businesses like Andy Brown Insurance and the Hilton Carillon Park who want to contribute to the auction's success, can make a donation to the expanding catalog by logging on to the site and clicking the "Donate Now" button.
The Largo Cultural Center celebrates it's tenth anniversary in November. The Center opened in 1996 to provide quality and affordable entertainment and each year offers the community a diverse selection of performances in its 400 seat, state-of-the-art theatre.