"HEEF Raises $40,000 during 5th Annual Silent Auction"
March 10, 2008
By: Patty Talahongva

More than 50 pieces of Hopi art and nearly 60 raffle items brought in almost $18,000 dollars for Hopi Education Endowment Fund's 5th Annual Silent Auction. The event was held February 29th in Phoenix.

For the first time the entire event was underwritten by corporate sponsorships. "We're very grateful to our sponsors," said Vernon Kahe, Office Manger for the HEEF. Peabody (Title Sponsor), Wells Fargo and Arizona Public Service were among the many sponsors.

Kahe says when you add the revenue from the auction and the raffle to the sponsorships, the total amount raised is more than $40,000 dollars. All of the sponsors were recognized at a VIP reception held just prior to the main event. This was a first for the silent auction and the reception was well received and well attended.

KUYI-FM also helped sponsor the event by broadcasting announcements of the event as well as putting out a call for art donations to Hopi artists. The HEEF website also served as a tool for announcing the event. Photos of the art that was donated as well as raffle items were posted on the site. "We had one person who won an (raffle) item based on their phone calls and the photo from the website," said Kahe.

Also new this year were sales of HEEF t-shirts featuring the art of several Hopis. Kahe says the shirts were a big hit.

The profits will all be deposited into the endowment fund. The interest earned from the fund goes towards scholarships through the Hopi Grants and Scholarship program. Each semester they make a request for funds to the HEEF. The endowment is now at nearly $17 Million dollars.

Ensuring the annual event is a success requires much planning and help from volunteers. In the case of Kahe that included his mother Gloria. He drafted her into helping set up the art the night of the event. "She has a great eye and I trust her judgment when it comes to displaying the items. I had many ideas but didn't necessarily have the time to readjust this display or that display," he said. "I think she enjoyed it," he added.

Sam Tenakhongva, Marketing and Special Events Manager for the HEEF also got his family involved in the event. His father Clark has donated art in the past and this year he and his family carved the signature piece for the event, a Palhikwmana katsina doll. Sam and his sister Carlene both helped create the doll.

Burt Poley and Romalita Laban served as the Hosts for the night. Entertainment was provided by Frank Poocha and the Hopi Senom dance group led by Charles Chimerica.

In a few more months the HEEF staff will be busy planning the 2009 Silent Auction which is always held just prior to the annual Indian Fair and Market at the Heard Museum.

The HEEF would like to thank the follwing Artists and Sponsors whom generously supported the 2008 HEEF Silent Auction:

Sonwai · Duane Maktima · Orin Poley · Jeanette Katoney · Delmar Polacca · Gloria Kahe · Kim Obrzut · Garrett Maho · Kevin Quannie · Elmer Satala, Jr. · Buddy & Val Tubinaghtewa · Grace Tahbo Douma · Val Kahe · Monica Nuvamsa · Sheryl Susunkewa · Simana Tenakhongva · Lydia Mahle · Alice Dashee · Pat Natseway · Michael Kahe · Bill Rabbitt Prints (Donated By Leon Myron) · Ramson Lomatewama · Wendell Sakiestewa · Harry Nutumya · Horace Kayquoptewa · Marlin Honhongva · Tyrone Duwyenie · Wilfred Kaye · Havens Trading Co. · Glenn Green Galleries · Olin Tsingine · Bernadette Poleahla-Crook · Farron Naka'waywisa · Linda Lomahaftewa · American Landscape Gallery · Andie Belone · Corn Maiden Arts · Norman Cuch · Leland Dennis · Iva Honyestewa · Donna Humetewa · Ella Humetewa · Vernon Kahe · Vino Manuel · Monongya Gallery · Ernest Northrup · Gregory Schaff · Tsakurshovi · White Bear Hopi Art

All proceeds benefit deserving Hopi college students across the U.S. in addition to funding other educational programs for the Hopi people. The HEEF is a 7871 (a) charitable non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.