By Annie Riley
Contributing Writer
The annual Mountain Auction to benefit Mt. Irenaeus will be held this year on Saturday, Nov. 3 in Doyle Hall. This is the 12th year Mt. Irenaeus will have hosted this event.
Silent auctions will feature more than 200 gifts to bid, including multiple getaways to Little Oak Island in South Carolina and the White Mountain of Arizona. Gift donations by alumni include electronics, antiques, jewelry, fresh seafood from New England, theme baskets, wine and dinner packages.
This auction is hosted by Mt. Irenaeus to ensure that the mountain will remain a part of Bonaventure students’ college experience.
“Mt. Irenaeus is a contemplative community of six live-in friars who minister the Bonaventure community as well as alumni from all over the world and the local community as well,” said Michelle Marcellin, administrative assistant to the Mountain.
In past years, the auction raised an average of $25,000 per year. This year, the Mt. Irenaeus committee expects another successful outcome.
“Some of this money goes towards the Chapel Endowment Fund. This summer, new windows were added to the chapel after water damage ruined the old windows.” said Br. Kevin Kriso, O. F. M., who has been involved with Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Retreat in West Clarksville, NY.
The other portion of the money received goes towards operating costs for upcoming events the Mountain holds, according to Brother Kevin Kriso.
“Approximately 500 Bonaventure students come up each semester. Professors bring their students and residential assistants even bring their houses.” He said.
As printed on the Mt. Irenaeus website, St. Bonaventure’s community has been using this mountain as a retreat and place of peace and tranquility for years and this auction is a way for the university to give back and support Mt. Irenaeus.
“It is a time for all our friends to come together for a wonderful evening of fun and camaraderie,” said Marcellin. “No one goes home disappointed. We always have a great time.”
The auction will be held at 6 p.m. after a 5p.m. Mass in the University Chapel. Reservations for the auction can be made by calling Michelle Marcellin at 716-375-2096.
rileyam12@bonaventure.edu
