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National Convention Silent Auction

At each annual national convention of SAF, the silent auction and raffle is one of the main attractions. It is popular because it is fun, and it promotes one of the most important functions of SAF, the Foresters' Fund.

The Foresters' Fund started in 1962 to promote education and enhance public understanding of the forestry profession and is still working 44 years later! Annually the Fund provides between $30,000 and $40,000 for grants specifically for chapters, division, and state societies. Various chapters and divisions within SESAF have greatly benefited from Foresters' Fund grants during the past few years. The historical markers commemorating various important forestry sites are a great example of how the Foresters' Fund has helped the Florida Division.

Since SESAF is the host for the convention this year, we need to get behind this effort and really support it. The goal for the silent auction and raffle is $15,000, and we should be able to exceed that with due commitment.

We want to get every chapter involved with this activity. This year, we are introducing the "Foresters' Fund State Society Spirit Award". The state society that raises the most money from items donated to this special silent auction will win the Ol' Pinch statue for one year. The "Ol' Pinch" statue, a 12-inch wooden statue of a forester, will be awarded to the state society raising the most money per capita for the Fund. Certainly, SESAF should get that award.

We are asking chapters and Divisions to donate an item or items for this special silent auction. Items can include anything your area is known for or books, clothing, local products (non forestry), paintings, forestry tools (old or new), equipment, handcrafts, or ANYTHING.

Items can be shipped prior to the convention or hand delivered on site. Contact Heather Wierzbicki () to get a form sent to you with complete instructions, or download the pdf form here. If you have any questions about the silent auction, please contact Charles Maynard () at 850.539.5079.