This post was authored by Jackie Desnoyer, of Jane Mobley Associates, a member of the Under a Blue Moon Steering Committee, and Friend of Powell Gardens.

The Under a Blue Moon planning committee is excited to present a new online auction! The 2010 Online Under a Blue Moon Rare Plant and Garden Party will auction specific items of interest to help raise awareness and additional funds for the benefit of Powell Gardens. The goal of this new online auction is to seek a pre-party buzz by sparking both the interest of patrons attending the event and those who cannot. From May 11 to June 11, 2010, individuals will have the opportunity to bid on exquisite items posted on the eBay Giving Works Web site.

The eBay Giving Works program is sponsored by eBay and MissionFish and allows purchasers and sellers to support a cause by donating item proceeds to a specific pre-approved nonprofit organization. Powell Gardens has already received some amazing donations that will be highlighted in the auction. Currently, board members and other friends of the garden are procuring everything from sporting event passes to jewelry. The online auction extends our ability to get creative and fun with our fundraising efforts.

Do you currently sell on eBay or know someone who does? You can help too! Partners can list an item with eBay and choose a pre-determined percentage of the final sale to be donated to us! MissionFish, the arm of eBay that certifies and facilities charity auctions for eBay, collects the specified donation amount from you and takes care of the paperwork. This is a “win-win” for your online business and for our growing garden. Please contact dschreiner@powellgardens.org for more information.

Special auction items have already been selected. Here is a sneak-peek of some of the upcoming items available for bid:

Fur Coat – Stay warm and fashionable during Kansas City’s coldest winter months with a soft and chic mid-length mink coat.

Wedding Day Package – Do you know someone getting married? This full wedding package consists of several services to make any bride’s day complete including hair styling, photography and a venue rental at Powell Gardens.

Wine Tour – Join Powell Gardens’ own Chef Nick as he guides the recipient of this auction item through the Heartland Harvest Garden for an intimate exploration of how grapes transform into the wine we all love to enjoy – no matter what time of year.

Be on the look out for more information regarding this year’s offerings and mark your calendar for the new online auction kickoff on May 11. You can benefit your botanical garden from your comfy living room and receive an amazing auction item too!