Alexandria, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/03/2010 -- What do you get when you mix a noble cause, proven marketing techniques, and enthusiastic auctioneers with a little risk? “An outpouring of support from both donors and bidders. I was proud to play a part and simply overwhelmed with the passion that so many of the supporters exhibited that night,” said Sherry Truhlar of Red Apple Auctions, a member of the Certified Auctioneer Institute Benefit Auction Planning Committee 2010.

The Certified Auctioneer Institute is a 3-year business development program offered by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) for auction industry professionals. Truhlar and her classmates conducted the benefit auction as part of second year assignments. The planning committee, led by Si Harbottle of Ameritex Auctions, included classmates Russ Puchalla of Heartland Auction Co., Rusty Lane of John Dixon & Associates, Rafe Dixon of J.R. Dixon Auctions, Troy Hall of Hall Auction & Realty, Truhlar, and class advisor Traci Ayers Dower of Ayers Auction & Real Estate.

A record-breaking $47,250 was raised at the auction. The event was organized in less than two months through weekly teleconferences with the planning committee and active collaboration in an open forum with the extended class through a Facebook group. “Great communication, intense desire, significant know-how, loyal sponsors, and teamwork were the ingredients of this auction’s success,” said Puchalla.

Creative fund raising ideas included: table sponsorships (Head Chef and Sous Chefs), valuable centerpieces, trips, ad packages, artwork and much more – all with the theme of ‘Cookin’ Up Fun(ds). The 180 guests received aprons as gifts, which were worn during the event to add to the festivities. The bidding was conducted live and online, and the event was kept lively and entertaining with the help of two professional emcees and benefit auctioneers, Truhlar and Bill Menish of Bill Menish Auctioneers. CAI candidates from around the globe took turns selling the donated merchandise, which ranged from handcrafted items to hunting trips.

Funds raised benefited CAI education and the St. Jude’s Children Hospital. "It was an emotional moment for me to look around the room and see everyone holding up their bidder card on the $100 fund a need appeal," said Dower. Auction action stood still and the entire room fell silent while Erika Albert, a former St. Jude’s patient, spoke on behalf of the hospital to share her experience and express her appreciation.

Alexandria, Virginia Auctioneer Training with the Best at Certified Auctioneers Institute

Sherry Truhlar is enrolled in profession’s premiere education program

Sherry Truhlar of Red Apple Auctions completed her second year of courses at the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) last month. The CAI program is the industry’s premier training program developed by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) for auction professionals.

A three-year program, the CAI designation is the industry’s most respected professional designation an auctioneer can acquire. CAI is an intensive, executive development program offering professional auctioneers with instruction and coursework in business management, ethics, finance and marketing. Conducted every year in March at the University of Indiana, CAI candidates join auctioneers from across the world to be to be taught by the nation’s most distinguished and respected leaders in the auction industry.

About the NAA
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) represents the interests of thousands of auctioneers in the United States, Canada and across the world. Founded in 1949, the mission of the NAA is to promote the auction method of marketing and enhance the professionalism of its members through education and technology. To learn more visit http://auctioneers.org.

Contact:
Sherry Truhlar, benefit auctioneer
1-888-474-0838
info@redappleauctions.com
http://www.redappleauctions.com