Plans are being finalized for the annual WTCI Holiday Auction Spectacular to be broadcast live on Channel 45/DT29. This year’s auction will add a new twist, online bidding, in addition to the traditional telephone call-in of bids.
On Nov. 4, 5, 18 and 19, the Auction will be broadcast from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Nov. 7, 8, 20 and 21, the Auction will be broadcast from 2 p.m. to midnight.
During the eight evening broadcast, television viewers will be able to bid by phone or online at www.pbsauctions.com. Over $300,000 in items and services, many of which are appropriate for holiday celebrations and gift giving, will be up for bid.
“We are especially excited about the online bidding,” said Victor Hogstrom, President and General Manager of WTCI-TV45/DT 29. “This is a huge step toward improvements and upgrades to our traditional televised auction, not to mention the significant increase in donated items. Through the online bidding, viewers will see ‘real-time’ bids as they are placed. Real-time bids will also be seen on home television sets.”
“Though the online bidding is the new approach for this holiday auction, it will not take the place of the traditional telephone call-in bids. Through the phone, each bid will be entered into the computer allowing for viewers to see the actual bids on their televisions as they are taken,” said Hogstrom.
Serving as on-air auctioneers during this fall’s broadcast will be local radio and television personalities, as well as many members of WTCI’s large and dedicated volunteer force. Dozens of volunteers will work behind the scenes doing a variety of tasks such as manning the phones, calling the high bidders and operating the studio cameras. Volunteers are still needed for the two-weekend event. Call Undra Finley at (423)629-0045 or email undra_finely@wtci.pbs.org.
Among the highlights of this year’s Holiday Auction Spectacular are the “getaway” packages at several hotels, bed & breakfast inns and resorts, a Wedding package valued over $15,000 and two at $3,000; Lasik Eye Correction from Pomerance Eye Care, A Fresh Bouquet of Flowers every month for a year from Chattanooga Flower Connection; a $12,000 handmade 13’x16’ classic area rug from Davis & Davis; handcrafts, appliances, toys, clothing, home décor, collectibles, food and entertainment packages, plus dozens of “one-size-fits-all” gift certificates.
According to Auction Director Perry Muckerheide, businesses interested in donating items for the second weekend of this holiday auction, can call (423) 629-0045 or email perry_muckerheide@wtci.pbs.org.
This fast-paced and entertaining fundraising event is made possible through the generosity of the Chattanooga area’s business community and many talented individuals, as well as resorts and retailers throughout the Southeast and around the country, officials said. Funds raised during the Channel 45/DT29 auctions are used to purchase quality PBS programming and to produce programs of local interest. The WTCI semi-annual auctions account for approximately 12 percent of the stations’ annual programming budget.
The community-supported public television station seeks to raise $100,000 in the two-weekend auction. WTCI’s mission is to provide quality programming that entertains, educates and informs.