By Renée Kiriluk-Hill/Hunterdon Democrat
A winter storm forecast led Chabad of Hunterdon County today to postpone its annual scholarships auction fundraiser from Sunday, March 2 to Sunday, March 9.
Rabbi Eli and Rachel Kornfeld and the event committee said on Feb. 28 that the decision to postpone the auction was made “after consulting directly with the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly as well as with numerous members of the community and auction committee.”
They were able to re-book comedian Sarge, other entertainment and food, but not the Stangl Factory in Flemington. The auction will now be held at Beaver Brook Country Club, still starting with cocktails at 5:30 p.m.
There will be sushi and food stations by Fumio Catering of Livingston and an open bar.
The committee said in a release, “While we understand that this may be an inconvenience to some who have made plans to attend the auction, we felt that the safety and well being of the community must come first.”
Because of the late date change, the organizers are doubling, to $50, the amount of raffle tickets included with the $50 admission, for those who already had reservations and those booking new ones before doors open at the event.
Those who already paid for tickets, and can’t attend on March 9 may seek a refund, raffle tickets or a credit toward a future Chabad event.
Organizers ask those who had a previous reservation to let them know if they will or won’t attend the auction on the new date.
The auction features 60 prize packages, valued at close to $100,000. The grand prize is the opportunity to ride in a fighter jet. Some other prizes include Google Glass; a trip for two to Israel or anywhere in Europe; an Apple iMac, Macbook, iPad Air, iPod, or iPad Mini; a $1000 Visa gift card; art pieces from Chagall and Harry Guttman; and jewelry from Sherman & Sons and Roman jewelers.
Raffle tickets are also sold online, where a full list of prizes is found and tickets are sold. Chabad has extended two online discounted coupon code promotions: DD and 50.
Organizers report that Chabad of Hunterdon has provided more than 100 scholarships over the past four years as a result of the annual auction proceeds.
A portion of the proceeds this year will benefit The Child Development Center at the Hunterdon Medical Center, which works with special-needs children and adolescents who have autism, difficulties learning or other developmental delays.
Tickets are also available by calling 908-238-9002 or mychabadauction.com
