Last year's annual online auction was our most successful to date and this year we've set our sights higher still. The global nature of the Internet means that the auction has the potential to expand national and worldwide awareness of spondylitis while raising much needed funds for continuing SAA's commitment to research and the programs and services that are invaluable to so many.

John Scanlon, our Volunteer Auction Guru, and I have been hard at work soliciting the items that will go on the block on Sunday, May 4th. So far, we've collected 70 items, including autographed hockey pucks, Vegas hotel stays, signed books and CDs and a "behind the scenes" tour of one of Chicago's top-rated restaurants.

And that's a great start. But I can only think of two ways to significantly boost the success of the auction: More Items and More Bidders.

We need volunteers to solicit auction items and certificates, by mail, phone or in person. And, as we get closer to the date, we need your help to publicize the event through press releases, flyers and word of mouth.

Do you or someone you know own a restaurant, manage a hotel or spa, belong to a golf club? Is there a valuable baseball card sitting in your desk drawer that you're not really excited about anymore? Could your employer donate something to be auctioned?

I'd love to see us reach our goal of having 200 items up on eBay on May 4th. Please let me know if you're able to help. I'll be here to answer any questions you may have so please feel free to contact me directly at diann.peterson@spondylitis.org.

Many thanks,

Diann Peterson
SAA Director of Membership & Communications

Keep checking our auction page for updates! Click here

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