Middle Bass Island - Charity Barstool Auction Results, July 25, 2009

The Middle Bass Island Charity Barstool Auction (see original announcement) on July 25 was a huge success. 44 decorated bar stools were auctioned off for a total of slightly over $16,000, for an average of about $363 per stool. A few other items were sold at a silent auction an hour before the main event. The proceeds benefit the Middle Bass Island Volunteer Fire Department, the Middle Bass Island Town Hall, and the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The highest bid of the day was $1,500, for a stool named "All Around Middle Bass" and covered with a number of original paintings of Middle Bass Island, contributed by island artist Jim Siemer who is having an exhibit of his art in the Middle Bass Island Town Hall all of August. Jim is also having a reception for the opening of his exhibit at the Town Hall on July 31.

The next two highest selling stools had very different themes. "Skeletal Remains", featuring a slate seat covered with complete fish and snake skeletons by Pete Szigeti, brought $1,400. And "Harley Enthusiast", by John and Robin Glauser, brought $1,300. The bar stool was created using a combination of old 1960s parts and new parts. According to John and Robin, "All the passion and freedom we receive from riding our Harley was transferred into the creation of this bar stool".

The 2nd highest bidder for "Harley Enthusiast" told the winner that he was bidding to buy the stool for a friend who had bought a Harley just before receiving a heart transplant and couldn't ride it. So the winner offered to sell the stool for the price he paid, and the offer was accepted.

The themes of the rest of the stools were mostly either island-specific, highly artistic or a combination of the two. There were many "serious" island souvenirs to be found among the stools, such as the metal letter "S" off the original stack of the Sonny-S that was attached to one stool.

Many of the bar stools were contributed to the artists by J.F. Walleyes' restaurant (over 20), by Wayne Lutes of the former Isabella's Bar and Restaurant on Middle Bass, by the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay and by Clyde Trash.

"All Around Middle Bass", by Jim Siemer, which sold for $1,500

Lynn Taliak, the high bidder on Jim's stool

"Skeletal Remains", by Pete Szigeti, which sold for $1,400

Chris Zeitler of J.F. Walleyes, the high bidder on Pete's stool

"Harley Enthusiast", by John and Robin Glauser, which sold for $1,300

John and Robin watching the bidding

The winner of "Harley Enthusiast"

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Revised: 26 Jul 2009 02:59:35.

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