Green Meadow Auction ~ Priceless Rewards

Once a year, at the dawn of each spring for the last five years, Green Meadow Staff, Parents and friends, gather in the gym to experience a taste of a Sothebys-style auction. Although famous paintings or rear jewelry are not the fare, and final purchase prices pale in comparison to it’s famous venue, participants nonetheless share the same adrenaline rush during the biddings; exuberance from winning; dejection from losing; and, buyer’s remorse after the purchase that their Sotheby counter parts do.

However, in the end, nothing compares to the priceless rewards our auction achieves—investment in our children.

Additionally, there are often hidden treasures obtained from this event. Michele and I were lucky enough to win one of these in last year’s event – a Salt Cay vacation home, generously donated by George and Rose Capello (available for rent through the Capellos). Listed in the program as a “one-week vacation on a private Turks & Caicos Island,” Michele suggested we bid on it. On a whim, I raised my hand to express my interest when the bidding began.

ADRENALINE RUSH – As the bidding process unfolded, going on virtually blind faith (and, of course, the brief description of the property provided by Master of Ceremonies Kevin Masbach), I continued to bid until we wore down the last contender.

EXUBERANCE – “Michele, WE WON! We’re going to Salt Cay!”

BUYER’S REMORSE- The next morning realty set in. “Salt what? Where is this place? How do we get there, and what are we going to do there?”

Thanks to George and the Internet, many of my outstanding questions were answered. From what we learned, Michele and I agree to travel without children.(The island is very child-friendly, so don’t feel you have to leave the children behind). Yet, even with the research done, nothing would have prepared us for what we ultimately experienced-our best vacation ever!

What were the ingredients that created this vacation masterpiece?

First, imagine spending a week on a sparsely populated island in one of the most beautiful areas in the world with; George and Rose’s luxury home directly on the beach, with its own private fresh water pool and private sunsets; gorgeous beaches; beautiful weather; few cars; and extremely friendly people(all 60 of them).

Then add: no TV, no phones or cell phones coverage, no radios, no papers, and NO SCHEDULED activity! Add a pinch of the best Caribbean sea, with it’s dazzling colors and out of this world under-water life and shipwrecks(for snorkeling and scuba), and a humpbacked whale and her child traveling 10 meters from your boat as it migrates to the north for the summer.

And for the finishing touch, sprinkle a little history. Salt Cay was once a bustling sea salt producing island. Closed for nearly 70 years, the “Salt Pans” that were used to collect the salt water and many of the buildings relics that supported this industry are still intact and create an intriguing backdrop to ones stay.

The island’s slogan sums up its position, “the island that time forgot.”

Needless to say, this is one island that Michele and I will never forget! And we owe it all to our participation in the Green Meadow Auction and the wonderful generosity of two of our fellow parents. www.saltcayvilla.com

Mike Schlanger, GMWS Parent