Mountain Auction Raises $30k

Some 180 friends of Mt. Irenaeus packed the Doyle Dining and Trustees rooms at St. Bonaventure Nov. 2 for a fun-filled evening that raised approximately $30,000 for the Mountain operating budget and endowment.

“Now, after what is truly many years of an annual auction for Mt. Irenaeus, I was struck by how wonderfully fresh and enjoyable in its very own way this year’s was. It seems there is always something new going on in the community and the gifts offered us and I know all of us are very grateful,” said Fr. Dan Riley, ofm, guardian of Holy Peace Friary.

Many of the guests were driven to bid by their hearts — and stomachs. During the verbal portion of the auction, bidding on a case of Fr. John Coughlin’s Transitus Ale was fast and furious. (Check out a video of the bidding!) Bottled on the feast of St. Francis and bearing labels featuring an illustration by Dan Riley, the copper-colored brew drew a winning bid of $750.

A Mountain hike and gourmet lunch for six with Br. Joe Kotula, ofm, continues to be a popular item with a winning bid of $500.

Offered for the first time at the 2012 auction, a pie-of-the-month offering by Sr. Regina Aman of St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean had everyone’s mouth watering. An initial offering brought in bidding that topped off at $800. Sr. Regina then graciously offered to provide a second year round of pies to another bidder for $600.

The auction’s trademark — a fun evening of fellowship and sharing — is an extension of the atmosphere that permeates Mt. Irenaeus, drawing auction-goers from many communities and many faith backgrounds.

Watch future newsletters for details about the 2014 Mountain Auction, which will be chaired by Michael Sullivan.