Puffin parade auction to be held tonight
EXCITEMENT is building as this summer’s successful puffin parade draws to a close with an auction for the painted puffin sculptures this evening.
The ticketed event will start from 5pm around the lake at the St Pierre Park Hotel where bidders will get the chance to see the puffins, before the auction begins at 6.30pm, led by auctioneer John Randall.
The lake area at the St Pierre Park will be open to the public between 12.30pm and 4.30pm today to view the puffins.
The puffins, which have been dotted around the island, have been painted and sponsored by local artists and organisations.
‘We really couldn’t have done this without the help of the community,’ said GSPCA manager Steve Byrne.
Over the last few days the puffins have been prepared for tonight’s sold-out event.
‘Over the last two weeks we have collected all 60 puffins, given them a clean up and had the artists in, so they look their very best for the night,’ said Mr Byrne.
During the breaks in the auction, other fundraising events will take place, including drawing the raffle with prizes including an £150 Aurigny voucher, and revealing the results from the puffin quiz.
‘We are expecting to raise between £50,000 and £70,000 for both charities, the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey, from the auction’ said Mr Byrne.
There are 60 puffins available to buy this evening, however two have drummed up a lot of interest – ‘George’, sponsored and painted by Catherine Best, and ‘Macareux’, sponsored by Martyn Guille Silversmiths and painted by Jill Vaudin and Jilly Wright.
‘Those two currently have the most interest around them, but we will see which puffin comes out on top on the night,’ said Mr Byrne.
‘We are looking forward to topping off a fabulous and fun summer event by an amazing evening.’
