Annual KENW auction under way

KENW TV’s annual auction is under way, and more than half the items already have bids.

The annual fundraiser features more than 700 items ranging from art to vacations and a little bit of everything in between.

The auction includes several gift certificates to various merchants, savings bonds, toys, furniture and home improvement items, among many selections.

This is the second year the auction has been held online, said Sheryl Borden, director of marketing for the broadcast center.

“After hosting the auction online last year and having such a good response from viewers and bidders, we decided to use the format again this year,” she said.

Last year’s auction netted $45,000 and this year’s goal is $50,000, Borden said.

Borden said the auction was conducted live on the public broadcast station for 30 years, and it is one of KENW’s most successful fundraisers.

Those wishing to bid on items must register on the auction Web site. Successful bidders will be notified by e-mail when the auction closes June 9, and will be able to pay by check or credit card. They will be able to pick up their purchases or have them shipped, except for a few items that cannot be shipped and must be picked up at the station at ENMU.

KENW also conducts three pledge drives every year and receives funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and from the state of New Mexico, through Eastern New Mexico University, said Duane Ryan, director of broadcasting.

“The auction is important to us because we have to raise money to purchase programs,” he said. Without the support of viewers, the television station would have to make cuts in some programs.

“We appreciate those in the business community for donating merchandise and we appreciate those who do the bidding,” Ryan said. “We’re very grateful.”

More information is available by calling 562-2112 or e-mailing Borden at sheryl.borden@enmu.co

On the Net: http://auction.kenw.org