The 25th Annual Tiny Tim auction held on March 1 st was a great success. Just under $100,000 was raised for the Tiny Tim Center. Tiny Tim has provided early intervention for preschool children with special needs since 1956. The school also provides preschool care for children without special needs. This entire event is put together by volunteers so that all proceeds go directly to Tiny Tim. This year's theme 'Moon Over Shanghai' included elegant Asian decorations throughout the lobby and conference room at the Radisson in Longmont. The excitement started when a newly established Legacy award was presented to Lila Jean Stewart by Tiny Tim's Executive Director Teedee Keister for her years of commitment to Tiny Tim. When presented with the award, Lila Jean said 'since she didn't have any grandchildren of her own, she felt as if all the children of Tiny Tim were her grandchildren'.
During the live auction, a trip to China Town in San Francisco was auctioned off to the highest bidder. Over 20 items were auctioned off by the amazing team of O.J. Pratt of Pacific Auction and Wes Hood of 1570 A.M. Smart Talk Radio. There were many bidding wars throughout the evening. Two beautiful handmade quilts were bid on and then put up for auction again by the highest bidders for even more bidding. A Phat Aloha 3-Speed Cruiser was donated by High Gear Cyclery and went to the high bidder. The owner of High Gear Cyclery, Buzz Feldman was at the auction and donated another 3-Speed Cruiser to be auctioned off. This time it went to Lila Jean Stewart with the highest bid. Lila, in her generous fashion, thenpresented the bike toExecutive Director, Teedee Keister.
An alumni guest speaker, Celia McGinnis and her Dad, Kevin spoke about Celia's early days at Tiny Tim and how they helped her achieve her dreams and goals today of being a student at the University of Northern Colorado. When Celia first attended Tiny Tim, she had developmental delays in speech/language and social skills. Today, Celia is in her sophomore year at UNC where she is majoring in Audiology and Speech/Language Sciences. Everyone at the auction was deeply moved and there were many tears when Celia spoke and then sang in a beautiful, melodic voice.
A Silent Auction ran throughout the first part of the evening where there were hundreds of exciting items to bid on. There was something for everyone including art work, gift baskets, sports memorabilia and furniture. There were also many gift certificates for restaurants, trips, special events and services. Everything was donated by special members of the community and friends and families of Tiny Tim.
Thank you to everyone for making this year's event successful and memorable.