Hi, Garland,

It's interesting to hear the various systems Societies use. For us, the
auctions serve dual purposes. They allow our members to downsize
collections, sell duplicates, etc. Second, they have been a vehicle to
expose the public to the Society, and we often gain membership this way.

We don't look at this as a fund raiser at all. Our main fund raiser is our
annual AOS benched show, which continues to grow in size. We have a vendor
waiting list for that.

Speaking of sales again, your story about the $200 Phrag. division reminds
me about a Paph. St. Swithin specimen (fabulous specimen!) which was pulled
for judging at our show a couple of years ago. It was awarded both an AM and
a CCM at the same time. The owner was offered $300 for it, which he took.
I'd be willing to bet that the purchaser cut it up and sold the pieces at a
hefty profit.

Diana