Items up for bid at GVAS Gala

What would you give to own a guitar signed by all the members of the band “Chicago?” How about a round of golf for four at Dove Mountain? Would you like to get away from it all with a week at the Royal Hawaiian Adventure Club timeshare in Oahu, Hawaii? Could you envision yourself wearing a beautiful turquoise and onyx bracelet? Perhaps you’d like to walk on the wild side and ride along with a Sahuarita cop for a day. Or maybe the daredevil in you has always dreamed of soaring above the desert in a glider.

This list gives you just a peek at some of the exciting items and experiences to be auctioned at Green Valley Assistance Services eighth annual “Gala in Denim,” slated for Saturday, Nov. 8, at Quail Creek’s Madera Clubhouse.

This year’s event will highlight Michael Dorn, an ongoing supporter of GVAS, founder of Dorn Homes, and Green Valley homebuilder and developer for the past 18 years. The gala’s theme of “Pay It Forward” is based on Michael Dorn’s personal philosophy. “My wife, Linda, and I feel very fortunate that we are able to give back to individuals and agencies in this community by ‘paying it forward,’” says Dorn.

The fun begins at 4:30 p.m. with an opportunity to view the auction items while you enjoy music by the Titan Valley Warheads, nibble hors d’oeuvres, and sample from the margarita fountain before sitting down to dine on Southwest cuisine. This year, there’s no need to blow the budget on fancy duds, as Southwestern attire is suggested.

In addition to the margarita fountain, a new twist will be a special surprise planned by the Green Valley Fire Department.

Many local sponsors have joined together to make this event a noteworthy one. “We are truly grateful for the generosity that the Greater Green Valley community has shown,” said Gala Committee Chair Glenn Lundell. “What a wonderful show of support for GVAS and the vital work that it does.”

Local companies and individuals donated more than 60 items up for bid during the silent and live auctions. David Grounds of Dorn Homes will once again serve as the auctioneer for the evening.

Among the items to be auctioned are rounds of golf at courses in Green Valley and the surrounding area; Tucson Symphony Orchestra Pops Classics series; “Firefighter for a Day;” fitness packages including Pilates and reflexology; quilts made by the Desert Hills Lutheran Church Sewing Circle; beauty packages featuring a massage, haircut and facial; and a dinner party for eight at Shelby’s Bistro.

“The Auction Committee worked very hard to acquire an assortment of items that are unique and will pique the interest of gala attendees,” said committee chair Dr. Christine Bartoletti.

Tickets for the Gala in Denim are $100 per person, with $40 per person tax-deductible. Tickets are available at the GVAS office, 250 E. Continental Road, Suite 102 in Green Valley. You may contact GVAS at 625-5966.

The Gala includes a special raffle for a chance to win a $500 Safeway gas card or a $500 Safeway food card. (Four gift cards will be raffled.) Tickets are $10 each or three for $25 and are on sale at the GVAS Office, Green Valley Cooling & Heating, and Vista Eye Care. The winning tickets will be announced the night of the Gala, but the winners need not be present.

Funds raised by the Gala support a variety of important GVAS programs. Established in 1981, GVAS is the oldest professional social service agency in the area, serving Green Valley, Sahuarita and the rural communities of Elephant Head, Amado and Arivaca.

GVAS provides professional case management, referral and volunteer support to families and seniors in need and to people with disabilities. The agency also provides temporary monetary assistance, often to people with no place else to go. The newest program offered by GVAS, “BenefitsCheckUp,” enables people with limited or moderate incomes to find out about benefits that can help to ease their way financially.

GVAS also offers seasonal and holiday programs, serving the back-to-school and Christmas needs of low-income families and seniors.

Past GVAS honorees have been GVAS founder Edythe Taylor, the Country Fair White Elephant, Green Valley Fire District, Gail Meredith, Joey Lessa, Regina Ford, David and Ellen Grounds, and Nancie and Ed Gustafson.

You are invited to Pay It Forward by supporting the programs of GVAS while honoring Michael Dorn. To make a reservation to attend the gala, call GVAS at 625-5966.

“Pay It Forward” is a simple concept designed to change the world through one individual’s direct action. For example, one person does a good deed for three people and those three people do a good deed for three more people and so it goes, on and on throughout the world.

Kim McGuire is the publicity chair for the 2008 GVAS Gala.