Gallery of photos
Silent Auction / Gallery / Gathering Space
Live Auction, Imagine Studios
Peppino D'Agostino Concert
Other Mementos
The Art Auction Catalog
Posters (below, left)
Quotable Quotes
..overheard about the event ...
The excitement was palpable, people seemed transported by hope and promise of change, wanting to ensure Elizabeth's victory. When Peppino got the whole room full of us singing along with him, it felt like a civic revival, the real deal -- the energy was contagious.
The infectious good will, the energy, and the stunning generosity that infused the evening confirmed for me that Elizabeth's candidacy has broad support in Benicia. Were we really concerned that 100 chairs would be too many?
As the evening passed into night with the peaceful classical music of Peppino, you felt the positive energy in the room in anticipation of change in November. From my past experiences, the magic produced from this event is how grassroots movements gain momentum.
An incredible success, great spirit, a showing of support for Elizabeth. It was a diverse mix of people from all over Benicia, and with an astounding show of support from the influential Arts community.
This upswelling of support so early in the campaign season shows that Benicia is ready for a change. People want a "new kind of mayor, a different kind of politics." And I think that newness and difference might have everything to do with the kind of spirit we witnessed at the Auction/Concert: an embrace of things artistic, celebrative and visionary, rather than the business-as-usual approach we've had in government in Benicia for so long.
The contacts with the art and craft artists were rewarding. So many were responsive and generous.
The core group, who worked relentlessly to make this event a success, touched my heart.
The people involved in this project impressed me the most.
What an amazing achievement!! Not in my wildest dreams did I conjure such a successful fundraiser.
What the large crowd told me was that not only is Elizabeth popular, but there are more people interested in auctions than I would have guessed. I think that Marilyn's posters and mailings had a lot to do with the turnout, and so did the article in the Herald. Both flattered Elizabeth and the campaign itself.
The success is notable in many outward ways. Turning an inward eye on this, I believe that our own campaign committee will take away that... we are effective organizers, we can raise funds, get out the vote, that grassroots reach across constituencies and that if we wish to have a party, they will come.
