Downtown Sebastopol will ring with the sound of the auctioneer’s gavel on June 6, as Food For Thought holds its ninth live auction. The event focuses on antiques and collectibles, wine, and luxury items such as vacation packages.

The auction is one of the organization’s biggest fundraising events, funding a substantial part of the food budget. In fact, it has historically been Sonoma County’s single largest HIV/AIDS fundraising event.

This event happens through the efforts of board members, volunteers, and Food For Thought staff.  Items are donated by private individuals and established businesses, such as the Zentner Collection in Emeryville, Green Fish Trading, Gado Gado, and Cokas-Diko, all in Santa Rosa, and Far West Trading Co. in Graton.

There are always unusual items.

Financial support for the event happens in many ways. Underwriting in the form of business and individual sponsorships helps to defray the costs of the event, donated items create the inventory for the sale, and of course, buyers create the excitement that marks the auction. Food for Thought offers special thanks to Russell Wherrit of Sebastopol, the auction’s founding organizer, who has offered to match this year’s auction underwriting.  If you are interested in becoming a corporate or individual sponsor, please contact Lisa Longhurst at (707) 887-1647.

On the block will be a collection of fine quality American, Asian and European antiques, collectibles and art from around the world, oriental rugs, fine wines, furniture and

decorative accessories, luxury vacations, restaurant dinners and many other desirable items.

Food For Thought also owns FFT Antiques & Collectibles, at 2701 Gravenstein Hwy. South in Sebastopol.  All profits from the store support the work of Food For Thought.

For more information, or to donate items, contact Allen Chivens at FFT Antiques (707) 823-3101 or by email at info@fftfoodbank.org.