Sue

I believe that if it is understood that the items are being donated for the auction fundraiser, then there is no conflict of interest. If you accepted an item that the donor believed would be preserved and protected by your museum in perpetuity, AND THEN, you auctioned it off, THAT would be a severe problem on many levels - one in particular being to shatter public perception of your institution.

If someone wants to help you raise money by donating items to an auction, then I see no problem in accepting it. The only things that would prevent me from accepting it are:

1) The items are in such poor taste or condition that I would be embarrassed to associate the item with my institution

2) There is already a specific policy regarding fundraising at your institution that would not permit it.

If 1) and 2) are satisfied, then I would accept the item and hope for the highest bidder.

GOOD LUCK!

Ware Petznick

>----- ------- Original Message ------- -----
>From:	       Sue Bodemer
><[log in to unmask]>
>To:	       [log in to unmask]
>Sent: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 16:55:37
>
>Dear All,
>
>I serve on the Board of Directors of an historical
>society.  We are having a
>fund raising event which will include an auction of
>items -- travel
>packages; time shares; jewelry; etc.  Someone has
>offered to donate antique
>furniture for the auction.  The pieces are not of
>interest to our
>organization.	Is there any conflict with the
>historical society accepting
>the items and keeping the proceeds from the sale?
>
>Thanks for your anticipated help, replying directly
>would be fine if you
>wish.
>
>Sue Bodemer
>Registrar
>Rockwell Museum of Western Art
>111 Cedar Street
>Corning, NY  14830
>607-937-5386 (museum)
>607-974-4162 (direct line)
>607-974-4536 (fax)
>www.rockwellmuseum.org
>[log in to unmask]
>
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