Here's an idea that you might be able to do if you're civic minded and want to spread the word about online auctions (and hopefully auctionuniverse.com.)

What I did was get with the powers that be at the 57th Yaarab Shrine Circus and Fleamarket -- it is going on right now at the Jim Miller Park at the Cobb County complex in Marietta, GA -- and propose they set up an online auction as part of their event.

Of course the idea is to get some of the really cool items they get (Did you read about the person who bought a $50000 vase at a Shriner's fleamarket for $5.00 -- it would have been even cooler if a part of the value of that vase had gone to the kids.) and put them up for auction online.

Anyway, by putting some of the better pieces aside for an online auction it makes who gets them becomes more a matter of who deserves 'em ... and of course we know that is the person who will give the most for an item.

Anyway, in this case, we started the auction on Saturday and then set all the auction ends at noon on Thursday (May 6). This allows out-of-towners to participate as well as fleamarket shoppers who can logon at home and bid. (We have a booth there where the stuff is displayed. I even brought in a computer and demonstrated how to photograph and list items.)

Anyway, they Shriner's put some nice, nice stuff up.

Some of the items offered include: a seven volume, leather bound set of Groilers' "Land and People's" from the '60's (It has a bid at $10.00) and a lead Crystal decanter and four tumblers ... and a 14 volume set of Kodak photography books ... all very nice.

Also included are four early Cabbage Patch dolls (with clothes) ... a nicely knitted "southern belle doll" ... not so much the doll but the hand-knitted dress is exceptional. There' also some folk art, a collection of owl items, a crystal vase and even some superbowl mugs in the auction.

Of course I don't mind at all doing this because the Shriners get the money they collect to the kids ... and it goes to support the crippled and burned children. (One of their sayings is "What we do for the kids is priceless ... that's why we do it for free."

To view the auctions go here:
www.auctionuniverse.com/au/[email protected]

BTW: They're going to have a lot of other items -- clothing items, books, etc., etc, ready for a close out sale on Saturday, May 8 as they don't have a place to put the stuff. So if you're in the Atlanta Georgia area, you might yet get some finds for yourself.

BTW: If you have an opportunity to do something like this, let me know:-)

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Neomax
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Seems that the proceeds from the Yaarb Shrine Circus actually went to fund the trips, cruises and other assorted entertainment for the Shrine organization. The Shriners never hid this fact, they simply didn't publicize this information.

If you could positively determine how the funds from these auctions will be disbursed, including the percentage of receipts that will actually fund charitable activities, I would be most appreciative.

Thank you.
 

I hestitate to give my credit card numbers to an organization when I have no idea who will be given access to that information, so I will pass on these auctions.
 

I've never heard of the shriner's diverting money from the circus to club activities. I don't know the exact figures -- I'm not a Shriner -- but I do know that the proceeds from the flea market and circus go to the kids.

As far as the NO CASH, NO Checks -- credit cards only -- that is a practical matter for these folks doing this with those who can't come by the flea market proper. Why?

They've got to vacate the pavillion at the park and the volunteers and all leave on Saturday night. You couldn't get them payment for the items any other way other than to phone them with your credit card.

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Neomax
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One more thing. They'll take cash or a check if it was a local check (Atlanta) that you could drop off at the site. You could even inspect the merchandise and thanks, it is nice.

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Neomax
[email protected]