Illinois Auctioneer Creates New Fund-Raising Idea

Illinois Auctioneer Creates New Fund-Raising Idea AG WORLD Ag World 24-3-24 Nearly everyone has treasures in their home or on their farm that are worth more than you might think, says Kurt Aumann of Aumann Auctions, Nokomis, Ill. Aumann has proved that statement over and over in the course of running auctions across the Midwest. He has worked professionally as an auctioneer since he was only 12 years old and runs one of the most successful rural auction services in the country along with his father. Kurt recently came up with a new fund-raising idea that has helped several local groups raise money. Called the Hidden Treasures Road show, people bring in treasures from home û antiques, heirlooms, etc. û and Kurt, along with members of his staff, give them an expert mini-appraisal. The cost per item evaluated is $5, which all goes to charity. "It's been a great way to raise money and even people who don't have items to appraise enjoy seeing what other people bring in and what we think the items are worth," says Aumann. He says you never know what will show up. One woman brought in a German-made teddy bear. "She brought it in a garbage bag. We told her it was worth $10,000 to $12,000. When she left she was clutching it carefully in both hands." At another event, a man brought in an old tin-type photograph that he had bought at a garage sale. Kurt looked it over and determined that it was genuine. What was more, it was a photo of George Armstrong Custer and could be worth as much as $8,000. Kurt says each event so far has raised between $400 and $600. "That represents a lot of appraisals," he notes. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Aumann Auctions, 20114 Illinois Rt. 6, Nokomis, Ill. 62075 (ph 217 563-2523).

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