Fundraising Auction

NEWINGTON -Looking to jump-start your holiday shopping? The Birchtree Center will put 285 prizes up for bid and raffle at its fundraising auction on November 4 in Eliot, Maine. All proceeds benefit the non-profit's autism programs in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.

Birchtree's instructors will offer some unusual entertainment during the event. At the entrance, guests will see a fire-dancing demonstration by Jesse Sears. Chandler Guptill will do tableside magic as guests enjoy hearty appetizers and place their silent-auction bids. Before the live auction, Naomi Diaz will offer a Polynesian dance demonstration.

Birchtree's instructors work one-on-one with students with autism at the non-profit's day school in Newington and in public schools and family homes throughout the Seacoast. "Our instructors are known for their extraordinary patience, dedication, and skill in working with students with autism-but our instructors excel in so many areas. This is a chance for people to see just how extraordinary Birchtree's staff is and to support their work," Executive Director Sandra Pierce-Jordan said.

Two bands will provide musical entertainment: Elijah Clark will open the evening with soulful light rock and crowd-pleasing covers, while Demijon closes with Irish and American folk and rock. Auction guests can bid to win gift baskets, vacation packages, fine art, jewelry, beer, wine, ski tickets, sports memorabilia, dining gift cards, family entertainment packages and other prizes.

Two hundred and seventeen businesses, most of them in New Hampshire and Maine, donated prizes and sponsorships for this year's auction.

The event is at the Shipyard Brewery'sRegatta Room at 28 Levesque Drive in Eliot, Maine, from 7:00-10:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 and include admission, appetizers, desserts and a cash bar.

Proceeds support Birchtree's autism programs, including a series of admission-free autism programs for families and educators. Coming up next is an autism workshop on "Motivating Students with Autism" on Wed., October 25 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at The Birchtree Center at 2064 Woodbury Avenue in Newington.

For reservations and information, call 603-433-4192 or visit www.birchtreecenter.org.

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