--3-28-2010--
2010 Easter Basket Extravaganza was another success.  We had over 340 baskets and a great turn out for the event.  We are currently still processing the purchases and waiting for a few baskets to still be claimed.  If you attended the event and with to be a donor next year please contact Jay Wren, Easter Basket Extravaganza Coordinator 308-383-0435 <jwren@krgi.com>.  If you would like to be reminded about the event please join our Facebook page and we contact you next year or any other up coming events.  Thank you for helping us fight hunger.

Easter Basket Extravaganza
15th Annual Easter Basket Extravaganza
Conestoga Mall, Grand Island, NE, main court between Dillards and Younkers
Saturday, March 27, 2010, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

HOW THE SILENT AUCTION WORKS
Project Hunger will again attempt to raise a total of $20,000.00 to purchase needed grocery items for the Grand Island Community Food Pantry and food vouchers of fresh milk, eggs, and hamburger for qualified clients of the Grand Island Health and Human Services. The event consists of a "Silent Auction" of donated baskets and/or "Matching Funds" given in place of a basket are encouraged. An attainable goal of $12,000.00 is challenged for the "Silent Auction" and $8,000.00 in "Matching Funds" has also been set. The Project Hunger Easter Basket Extravaganza held its first event in 1996.

A goal of 400 donated entries from individuals, businesses, industries, schools, churches, civic, youth and adult clubs, sports teams, newspapers, radio and TV stations, along with others, is being recruited and anticipated. The same list of participants is also encouraged to enlist and challenge fellow colleagues, business and professional contemporaries to do the same thing. That's what makes it interesting and more enjoyable, and also more resources will be realized to help people in need. Athletic teams and extra-curricular school clubs from elementary to graduate levels from all over the state and nation are challenged. Professional athletic clubs, radio, TV and entertainment celebrities from near and far have done so in the past and are expected to participate again this year. Elected city, county, state, regional, and federal government officials are sincerely challenged and encouraged to participate. Celebrities and elected officials may want to include an appropriate memento, along with a picture, to remember them by.

Entries may be a gift basket, gift certificate, an automobile, boat, RV, recreational and sports equipment, time-share getaway packages, airline tickets, single sports event and season tickets, credit hour gifts and incentives from community colleges and universities, subscriptions and limited memberships for newspapers, societies, clubs and groups. Donations may be oriented for a child, teenager, couple, sportsman, recreation, pastime , or other. Examples: #1, Fishing Tackle box, two combination rod and reel fishing poles, assorted lures and hooks, stringer, two packages of Oreo cookies, bottled water, two ball caps, suntan lotion, insect repellant and a disposal camera. Value: Priceless. #2, Fiberglass 5-gallon pail, canvas tool holder liner, assorted hand tools, metal tape measure, 10" torpedo level, utility knife, duct tape, can of WD 40, plastic box of assorted drill bits, small box of plastic band aids, tube of Neosporin, bottled water, job-jar with suggestion list, invitation for one coffee and cookies break, plastic picture holder for pictures of smiling spouse, children, or friend. Value: also priceless.

Some interesting secrets: Tell your friend, competitor or rival what you are doing and why. Then challenge them to do something equal, more expensive or better. Display your entry for everyone to see before you enter it. Finally, diligently try to secure at least one bidder friend who will bid at least what you paid for your entry to prevent an "only bidder" from buying a bargain. (4H animal entry contestants do this almost every time). Please, no canned goods for the Food Pantry, or alcoholic beverages.

All entries will be tagged, showing where they came from along with the approximate value. Baskets and entries will be displayed at the Conestoga Mall in Grand Island, NE. Public bidding will open at 10:00 a.m. Bids will be taken until 3:00 p.m. The last two competing bidders on the "Bid Sheet" may negotiate who gets the prize in the presence and with the affirmation of the Project Hunger Volunteer table attendant. The last name on the bid sheet will be the owner of the entry and will pay the table attendant for it at the time.

Silent auction bidders come from all over the country. The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce has previously billed the Project Hunger Easter Basket Extravaganza as one of the largest annual events in Hall County, Nebraska.

For more information, call Jay Wren, Easter Basket Extravaganza Coordinator 308-383-0435 <jwren@krgi.com>

Point Your Wagons	Indescribable Beauty
"How did they make those so pretty?"	Easter Baskets -R- Us!

Endless imagination for a child.

Make your bid for a basket!