(DURHAM, April 14, 2003)—Get in on the bidding action when the 30th New Hampshire Public Television Spring Auction begins Friday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. The auction airs nightly through Saturday, May 10, with new items each evening. Thanks to the generosity of 3,000 donors, there are more than 5,000 items up for bid.With the help of more than 1,000 volunteers, the NHPTV Spring Auction hopes to raise $450,000 to support NHPTV programs and services. Every donation helps New Hampshire Public Television serve more than 500,000 Northern New England households each week. You never know who will appear on the NHPTV Spring Auction—local celebrities, politicians and civic leaders frequently lend their support by serving as auctioneers.Bidding has already begun on Superboard donations valued at $1,000 or more; these can be previewed at www.nhptv.org. Center stage is a fully loaded 2003 Toyota Prius, a hybrid system that incorporates a dual gas and electric engine. At 566 miles per tank, the Prius has been rated an ultra low-emission vehicle. Donated by the New England Toyota Dealers, it has a value of $21,020. Also available for online bidding are exciting trips with longtime NHPTV Auction partner American Airlines. Destinations include London, Miami, Washington, D.C, the Caribbean and other great getaway spots. Join the Friendship Tour to London October 29 to November 4 or travel to Ecuador with a Galapagos cruise for two.Preview the online Virtual Gallery, showcasing the works of 54 local artisans (with direct links to many of their Web sites). Online preview bids for the Virtual Gallery will be accepted until noon Tuesday, May 6; all Virtual Gallery items will sell off on Gallery Night, Wednesday, May 7. Through live video streaming of the NHPTV Auction, people outside of the viewing area can enjoy Auction fever, too.Notes Trish Ballantyne, the NHPTV Auction Manager, “We’re all very excited about the Spring Auction celebrating its 30th year! The technology used to air the Auction has been evolving, but the dedication and commitment of our volunteers has remained constant. The community spirit is amazing—folks take their vacations to be here and we make new friends every night!”Theme nights offer many items of special interest. How-to Night on Saturday, May 3 will feature a certificate for a kitchen design plan, donated by the Cabinetworks of Stratham. Sports Night on Monday, May 5 includes a pair of season passes for UNH men’s hockey. An original 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team pennant signed by Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson, donated by the Singer family and Merchants Automotive Group, also will be offered. On Gallery Night, Wednesday, May 7, tuxedo-clad auctioneers will showcase the work of artists from around New England.Beyond its award-winning local and national television programs, NHPTV provides instructional services for 220,000 students from kindergarten through high school; offers Ready To Learn programs for children, preschool to age 12; and provides professional development programs and advanced technology training for parents, educators and child-care providers in New Hampshire and neighboring states. For more information about NHPTV programs that entertain, educate and enrich, visit www.nhptv.org.
About New Hampshire PBS: New Hampshire PBS inspires one million Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs and services on-air, online, via mobile, in classrooms and in communities. Beyond its award-winning television programs, New Hampshire PBS is a leader in education and community engagement. www.nhpbs.org
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