ALLEGANY, N.Y. — The Sixth Mountain Auction to benefit Mt. Irenaeus raised nearly $27,000 for the Franciscan mountain retreat here.
One of the highlights of the Nov. 4 event continues to be the spirited bidding that takes place for the opportunity to take home one of Dan Hurley’shomemade blueberry pies, according to auction chair Margaret Bryner. This year’s two pastries went for $800 and $775, with a match from the Mountain trustees for $800.
Despite vision loss. Dan is often found in the kitchen of the mountain’s house rolling out his famous crust and mixing berries and sugar, according to the Mountain’s fall 2006 newsletter.
“Dan’s taste for life and our enjoyment of his baking echo the Psalm carved in a beam over our dinner table ‘Taste and See the Goodness of God,’ ” Dan Riley said.
The annual auction, held in Doyle Hall on the St. Bonaventure University campus, features some 200 items in a silent auction including handicrafts, gift baskets, home appliances, and décor, hobby and leisure items.
According to Margaret, the auction is “a remarkable evening of sharing and fellowship.
“It is really an extension of the atmosphere that permeates Mt. Irenaeus,” Margaret said. “People remark on the ‘goodwill’ aura that is in the air that night.”
As a thank-you to the Olean-area community for its support, the Mountain Auction will present a Feb. 19 concert featuring two student-run a capella groups from St. Bonaventure, The Last Second and Vocallusion. The concert is a gift from the auction, whose patrons and supporters bid hundreds in support of the concert.
Auction proceeds will add to the Mt. Irenaeus endowment and support the general operating budget.