Auction dinner to boost funds in effort to save the Beebe Ranch
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – Efforts to save the Beebe Ranch are only ramping up.
Rallying Behind the Ranch
Since 47 ABC first brought you the story of the Museum of Chincoteague Island’s mission to purchase the property, they’ve fund raised about $200,000.
“You always have a fear that you have this idea and it’s not going to be enthusiastically responded to. But, that is not the case. We have gotten letters from all over the county. Little children come into the museum to make a donation. People are just donating what they can,” said Cindy Faith, executive director of the museum. “They tell a lengthy story of how the ponies, Misty, Marguerite Henry, the Beebe family, how it has impacted their life in their childhood, and carried over into adulthood. That’s really inspiring.”
Faith says the kind words and donations mean more than just that; they’re also keeping the drive to save the Beebe Ranch alive.
“It’s incredibly important. It keeps us motivated. We are excited. $200,000 is a figure we’d hoped for. It’s been just about three weeks. We do have a long way to go, but there’s just so much encouragement and people do want to see this happen,” said Faith.
Seeing the outpouring of support, Faith says the Beebe family has graciously extended the fundraising deadline for another 30 days. “I really think by the end of next month, we’re going to see a dramatic response. My fingers are crossed,” she said.
Fundraising Efforts Continue
That dramatic response could come from a planned fundraiser auction on April 15th. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company will donate its banquet hall to host the event. Guests can expect live music, a three-course meal provided by AJ’s restaurant, and a bar stocked with local brews. Chester Jackson will be auctioneering items donated by the community.
“Between the dinner and the auction, we are hoping for maybe a $10,000 increase for our fundraiser,” said Faith. “We’re hoping others around the country might say ‘Hey, I’m not going to be in Chincoteague the next couple of months, but maybe I could do something in my hometown.'”
Faith says auction items include, and are not limited to, decoys from local carvers, local photography and oil paintings, gift packages, hotel stays, restaurant dinners, and more. Some of the items will be available online, and in person, so others who don’t come to dinner can still participate.
“It’s going to be a very eclectic mix of things in the auction. But, I think there’s something for everybody. Hopefully, people are coming to support anyway. But, I think when they see the auction items, they might want to participate in that, too,” said Faith.
Continuing Support
Doors open at 5 p.m., and the meal starts at 6 p.m. The auction kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50, and available by calling the museum at 757-336-6117.
“I just want to say thank you to everybody who has already reached out to us. This is a big project. We’re grateful for all of the response that we’ve received,” said Faith. “We are just absolutely humbled and grateful for all of the help. I want to encourage people to continue to spread the word.”
