38th NHPTV Spring Auction Begins May 6th at 6 p.m.

10 nights. 1,000 volunteers. 3,000 donors. 5,000 items. Goal: $450,000 to support NHPTV programs, educational services & community initiatives.Special Guest NHPTV Auctioneers may include: Governor John Lynch, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Congressman Charlie Bass, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, USNH Chancellor Ed MacKay, Deputy Speaker of the House Pamela Tucker, Granite State Challenge host Jim Jeannotte, and WCSH 6 Portland News Center Anchorman Pat Callaghan. (DURHAM, May 5, 2011) – Get your bidder number ready! The 38th New Hampshire Public Television Spring Auction begins Friday, May 6th at 6 p.m., and continues live nightly through Sunday, May 15th! Over the years, the Spring Auction has promoted thousands of small and large regional businesses, local artists, restaurants, vacation spots, and recreational opportunities in this 10-day event that connects NHPTV with generous community supporters. Each night will feature special guest auctioneers such as Governor John Lynch, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Congressman Charlie Bass, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, USNH Chancellor Ed MacKay, Deputy Speaker of the House Pamela Tucker, Granite State Challenge host Jim Jeannotte, and WCSH 6 Portland News Center Anchorman Pat Callaghan. Be sure to watch for your favorite radio personalities, too! Auction Director Trish Ballantyne hopes to raise $450,000 this year to help support NHPTV’s quality programs and services. “This is a one-of-a-kind community event that brings together more than 1,000 dedicated volunteers, thousands of generous donors and enthusiastic bidders and dozens of valued local sponsors. They all play a critical role in helping us raise money to sustain your favorite NHPTV programs and we are extremely grateful for their support. It’s never too late to get in on the Auction buzz – so consider yourself invited!”Online bidding is already underway on exciting and unique Superboard items at www.nhptv.org/auction. Here’s a sampling of Superboard offerings:• A 2011 Toyota Prius Hybrid, which offers industry-leading hybrid technology and amazing fuel economy. Donated by Your New England Toyota Dealer. • An opportunity to explore the Southwest with a Tauck ‘Culturious’ Tour, escape to exciting destinations like the Azores and St. Maarten, or stay close to home in a cozy mountainside B&B or an ocean-front inn! • Getaways galore! Dine out in style, sail to the Isles of Shoals, plan a ski or spa vacation or fill your summer with visits to local attractions and the arts!• Hot home improvement items! Items from California Closets, Seacoast Mills Building Supply, Ultimate Bath Showroom, Reeds Ferry Sheds and C.A.B. Services are up for bid.• Sporty travel for cruising the beach or commuting to work via a sporty Vespa LX 50 Scooter from Great Bay Triumph/Ducati & Vespa of North Hampton.Looking for unique works of art? Preview the Virtual Gallery at www.nhptv.org/auction and bid online for items by local artisans including jewelry, stoneware, framed paintings and photographs, and other handcrafted pieces. These juried items and many more will be offered during Gallery Night, Wednesday, May 11th. Other special interest items for everyone from the sports enthusiast to the “do-it yourselfer” will be featured during Auction theme nights.Friday, May 6 Retro/Tie-Dye Night Saturday, May 7 How-To NightSunday, May 8 Favorite Hat NightMonday, May 9 Sports NightTuesday, May 10 Tropical NightWednesday, May 11 Black Tie/Gallery NightThursday, May 12 Home, Garden & Agriculture Night Friday, May 13 Mardi Gras NightSaturday, May 14 Travel NightSunday, May 15 Auction FANatic Celebration!Bidding during the Auction is easy. Simply call the toll-free number on your TV screen, tell the operator the number of the item you want, state your highest bid and give your name, address and phone number. “Express Bidder” numbers also are available to speed your bids through! And, via a live web videostream, people outside NHPTV’s viewing area can enjoy the Auction buzz, too!Remember, there’s still time to volunteer or donate. Donations valued at $75 or more are accepted throughout the Auction. Call the Auction Office at (603) 868-4432 or go online at www.nhptv.org/auction. New Hampshire Public Television counts on each donation and bid to provide award-winning PBS and local programs, as well as educational and community services to Northern New England.

Visit the NHPBS PRESSROOM at www.nhpbs.org/pressroom
Phone (603) 868-1100  •  Fax (603) 868-7552

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Pressroom Contact

Carla Gordon Russell
Director of Communications
crussell@nhpbs.org
(603) 868-4339