The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. (CRPA) will once again be holding its annual Live and Silent Auction at our 59^th Annual Conference and Tradeshow on November 25 and 26, 2019, themed “Break Through to Success”.  This auction showcases premiere New England products, retailers, attractions, lodging, restaurants, adventures, skiing, golf, publications, etc.  The conference provides educational sessions and networking opportunities for over 300 attendees in the park and recreation profession as well as over 100 exhibitors.

CRPA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that helps individuals and organizations provide recreational opportunities to improve the quality of life of New England citizens and visitors.  CRPA membership includes over 750 professionals from recreation and/or park-related agencies, municipalities, boards/commissions, colleges, commercial recreation and park service providers, entertainers, and students preparing for any phase of recreation and park work.

As I am sure you can imagine, the auction has grown to be a highlight of the conference!  Proceeds help provide conference scholarships for students and educational opportunities for members. Last year, the silent auction generated over $6,000 in scholarships. In exchange for your auction donation you will receive the following benefits:

• Written recognition as a donor on a Silent Auction packet displayed for all attendees.
• Identification on a bid sheet placed next to your auction item, listing you as the donor.
• The ability to claim the value of your donation as tax deductible. CRPA has 501(c)(3) status.
• The opportunity to provide brochures or other marketing items to be placed in the silent auction area if the auction item you provide has a minimum $200 value.
• The knowledge that money raised from the auction of your item will help provide scholarships for students to attend college and the CRPA Conference, and continuing educational opportunities for our professional members.
• Exposure to a target market with interests similar to your own marketing mission.

As a reminder, the dates of this year’s conference are November 25 and 26, 2019.  Please keep this in mind when placing a potential expiration date on any gift certificate you might donate. We would like to line up our silent auction donors by early November in order to provide you with ample pre-conference recognition.  Please return the attached donation form and, if possible, your item for the auction as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact me at (860)652-7683, or anna.park@glastonbury-ct.gov.  Thank you very much for your consideration!

Sincerely,

Anna Park

Silent Auction Chair - CRPA Annual State Conference and Tradeshow