Auction Inn received a great honor recently when we were asked to give a presentation at the Social Enterprise Summit in Boston, MA, held on March 9 – 11. Our topic was the Social Enterprise Potential of Secondary Merchandise. The summit is the largest gathering of current and future practitioners of social enterprise in the world, with over 600 people present.

At the conference, in addition to hosting a great discussion group on developing a social enterprise around selling secondary merchandise for the community, we were able to interact with nonprofit organizations, consultants, foundations, and other practitioners about best practices in developing earned income strategies. We were able to make a number of great contacts as we discussed the industry with the other attendees.

We are hopeful that the Summit will help to advance the industry from its current “toe in the water” stage to a mainstream, accepted practice for nonprofit organizations. We were very encouraged by the great ideas and progress that we saw at the conference and are very proud to be a part of the development of the industry. Next up we have been asked to attend the first international social enterprise conference to be held in Scotland in September, stay tuned for more on that near the end of the summer.

For more on the Social Enterprise Alliance and their annual summit go to: http://www.se-alliance.org

The month of March was booming in Lancaster, bringing in a great assortment of items, large and small. We have two particular items we would like to share with you this month. The first is an item that was donated to the Clarehouse fundraiser, a specially made and customized accordion, which sold for $434.00, having no other identifying features than a stamp stating “Custom Built for Vinny Roberts”. This item stood out more than anything for its originality and impeccable condition, coming complete with a beautiful carrying case. 370031607161

The second item was a small collection of antique porcelain Sleeping Beauty figurines, which sold for $528.50. Each figurine was a remarkable representation of the classic Disney movie, complete with Prince Charming and Maleficent the Witch!

We were very excited to accept these items in March, and were even happier when they both sold so well! We hope to be bringing bidders around the world more items like this in the very near future!

With spring now in full stride, Auction Inn has taken some time to revisit and update some of our more popular commercial product lines. With new products to offer and even better deals than before, anyone is sure to find the items to complete that weekend project they have been planning all winter. Ridgecraft is now offering stained glass, with new designs as well for their already vast line of cupolas. Don’t forget the kids! Auction Inn’s showcase of Victorian Backyard Sheds is second to none, with a larger selection of customizations that will allow you to get the playhouse of your dreams for your family’s backyard. Visit www.auctioninn.com for more details and to see any and all of our great commercial product lines!

Mr. Epler has lively eyes, a quick smile, a spry gait, a knowledge of people, the significance of events and a passion for collecting autographs.

It started back in the 1960’s when he worked for a Phillies AA farm team in Reading, PA. As many farm teams still do, after warm-ups prior to the game, the players participated in an autograph session for eager fans, young and old. Many thrust 3x5 cards, magazines, or caps. Mr. Epler chose baseballs He knew many a major leaguer started out in the minors. Just maybe, the possibility of an early rookie signature of a future baseball hero sauntered the verdant diamond.

From there the lure of sports card shows, expositions, book signings, grand openings beckoned. Mr. Epler’s varied job career meant a lot of traveling He’d check the local and surrounding neighborhood papers. If someone piqued his interest, out come one or two of the official major league baseballs always packed with the rest of his gear and off he’d go. The hunt for autographs grew beyond sports figures to include astronauts, actors, authors, journalists, race car drivers. Most he got on his own- some he bought from others.

Whenever possible, he was right there to witness the signature. They didn’t give out COA’s (certificates of authenticity) then. The bond between fan and subject was more respectful, valued and trusted. Each knew it to be a symbiotic relationship. Without fans, no stars. No stars, no fans. But after a time, things changed. Not as much traveling, and the $200 “autograph fees” take off the shine. That doesn’t mean you still can’t get a great autograph. Membership in various collector guilds provide publications that include addresses of various celebrities, their willingness to sign items sent by a fan, how long it takes to get a response and often a sample of their signature. Where there’s a passion, there’s a way.

Mr. Epler brings in more than a baseball for Auction Inn to consign- he brings in American History- his, theirs, ours, yours.

Bosch Security Systems, Inc. is a division of the Bosch Group, a global supplier of technology and services in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. With $1.7b in 2006 sales by Bosch Security Systems, and $67.7b in 2007 sales by the Bosch Group, Auction Inn has, since shortly after inception, looked to Bosch to lead the way with new and innovate ideas in the technology field. With the very unique position Auction Inn holds within the community, coupled with our partnership with The Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster, we are very lucky to have a working relationship with Bosch Security Systems. Bosch is one of a number of local businesses that help support our WORK-ABLE job training program, by way of both education and job placement. Bosch is also very unique, being that the special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group. The company was founded by Robert Bosch in 1886, and today the Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 300 subsidiary and regional companies in more than 50 countries, with ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. Everyone at Auction Inn would like to thank Bosch for their commitment to both the community and our partnership alike!

Beginning April 21st, The Kiwanis Club in Lancaster will be holding a fundraising event. This drive will be held through to May 2nd, and any funds collected will be included in donations for area youth programs such as the Millersville Key Club and Circle K. It will also help fund recognition dinners for the local police and fire departments.

This effort will run from Monday, April 21st to Friday, May 2nd. The offsite drive will take place from 9-11am at Redman's on Columbia Avenue.

To participate in either of these worthy causes, donors need only to drop off their donations at Auction Inn’s main processing center at 241 West Lemon St., Lancaster, PA Monday – Friday, 9am-6pm, and Saturday 9am-2pm, or call (717)509-6592 for more information.

If you belong to a local nonprofit group in either the Lancaster, Harrisburg, or York, PA areas, and would like more information about our fundraising options, please feel free to contact us at 888-TO-THE-INN!