Seattle, WA – November 11, 2003 – Pilchuck Glass School raised over $1.1 million during its twenty-fifth annual gala auction held on Friday, November 7, at The Westin Seattle. Over 900 people – including 236 contributing artists who attended as Pilchuck’s guests – filled the Westin’s ballroom to raise money benefiting Pilchuck’s artistic and educational programs.

A combination of auction proceeds, ticket sales, sponsorships and other contributions generated the $1.1 million. Pilchuck Director of Finance Janet Spangler estimates net proceeds will be $785,000. “This compares favorably to $608,000 in 2002 and $791,000 in 2001,” reports Patricia Watkinson, Pilchuck’s executive director. Auction proceeds fund Pilchuck’s summer artistic and educational programs at its Stanwood, Washington, campus. Along with tuition, auction proceeds are a critical source of revenue for the school.

The auction featured five silent auction sections and a live auction featuring over 260 pieces of art created by American and international masters as well as emerging artists from across the globe. Auction accelerators enhanced live auction sales by contributing $1,000 for each of the first 40 items that achieved or exceeded their stated value.

“This auction was exciting as it brought so many old friends, and many new friends, together to support Pilchuck,” notes Auction Chair C. David Hughbanks. Watkinson thanks everyone “for working so hard for Pilchuck’s benefit and collaborating, along with staff, to augment Pilchuck’s fortunes in these tough times.”

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