Annual birdhouse auction aims to boost Relay For Life

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Staff writer

GALLUP — In one short year, the Relay For Life Birdhouse Auction has become a popular local tradition.

The tradition will continue at 7 p.m. on Saturday with the second annual Birdhouse Auction at Sammy C’s Rock ’N Sports Pub and Grille. Like last year, about 80 handcrafted birdhouses — decorated by local artists and artisans — will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to support the work of the American Cancer Society. The event is sponsored by the Ups and Downs Relay For Life Team in Gallup.

This year’s theme, “As Time Goes By,” was chosen to recognize the Gallup Relay For Life’s 10th anniversary and the national organization’s 25th anniversary. Some of the birdhouses reflect that theme, said organizer Linda Shelton.

For example, she said, local artist Kathe Noe has created “Rick’s Café Americain” from the film “Casablanca,” while Narcie Molina has created a birdhouse featuring all four seasons.

Other birdhouses have their own themes, from Victorian-styled mansions to pueblo inspired dwellings. Others feature floral motifs or Native American pottery designs. Dorie Rowberry, who created last year’s top seller lion birdhouse, has made a giraffe creation this year. Well-known Native artists like Jerry Brown of the Navajo Nation and Cherokee/Creek artist Virginia Stroud of Oklahoma have also created birdhouses for the auction.

Shelton said it’s been fun to see how creative all the birdhouse designs have turned out this year. “I’m always amazed at the talent in Gallup and the generosity,” she said.

The birdhouses are currently on display in businesses around Gallup, and most can also be viewed on the auction’s Web site. They will also be set up for viewing in Sammy C’s about a half-hour prior to the start of Saturday’s auction. Restaurant owner Sammy Chioda is also donating a percentage of the dinner sales to Relay For Life.

According to Shelton, last year’s birdhouses fetched anywhere from $20 to $430 each, with most of the sales in the $50 to $100 range. For those who can’t attend Saturday’s auction, but who want to bid on a specific birdhouse, Shelton said bids can be registered in advance online by e-mailing her.

Information: Linda2175@msn.com or www.gallupbirdhouses.com