Giving Back: Thomaston Place in the Community
Every year, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries donates significant time and resources to assist not-for-profit groups because giving back to Maine communities is a founding principle of our business. Our auctioneers, Kaja Veilleux and Carol Achterhof conduct dozens of benefit auctions throughout the year through live auctions, appraisal fairs, and our Gifts for Good™ program.
Live Auctions
Live auctions can be an effective fundraising approach. Selling items in a competitive bidding format, combined with a charity beneficiary, generates great results. Once you have collected the items to be offered and promoted your event, Kaja or Carol would be happy to serve as your auctioneer. We have sold everything from dolls to diamonds and teacups to travel packages; and we have a lot of fun in the process! There is no cost to your organization for auctioneers, and we provide a helpful, step-by-step planning guide to help you organize your fundraiser auction event.
Gifts for Good™
Maintaining a year-round cash flow can be a challenge for most not-for-profits. That is why we created Gifts for Good™. This program can help your organization receive ongoing donation income without the need to plan an event or ask your membership for more money.
Here’s how it works: at any time, people can donate antiques or works of art to your organization. Your organization consigns these items to us, and we offer them at one of our regular, internationally promoted sales. These consignments are taken at a significantly reduced commission rate, so when the items are sold, a greater proportion of the proceeds will go back to your group. These donated objects can be consigned at any time throughout the year.
Appraisal Fair
Organizing and promoting an Appraisal Fair where local people bring their treasured items for valuation by our expert appraisers is a fun and informative way to raise money. Funds are raised by requesting a donation for each appraisal. We supply the appraisers, and your organization drums up the crowd! We suggest that you charge a donation for each item appraised, and 100% of money raised goes to your organization or project.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries does not charge for this service. We will offer evaluations with the understanding that if a participant would like to have an item sold after it is appraised, we have the option to explain the consignment process and invite them to consign the item(s) to our auctions.
Organizations We’ve Helped
American Red Cross
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
Arts Are Elementary
Ashwood-Waldorf School
Boothbay Regional Land Trust
Bowdoin College
Boyscouts of America
Pine Tree Council
Bristol Lion's Club
Brunswick Downtown Association
Cape Elizabeth Land Trust
Camden Montessori School
Center for Maine Contemporary
ArtChildren’s Museum & Theatre of Maine
Chocolate Church
Coastal Kids Preschool
Damariscotta Montessori School
Damariscotta River Association
Damariscotta Rotary Club
DAR
PortlandEmbrace-A-Vet
Farnsworth Art Museum
Freeport Community Service
Georges River Land Trust
Humane Society of Knox County
Kids First Center
Kingfield Pops
Lincoln County Historical Society
Maine Audubon Society
Maine Heritage Land Trust
Maine Maritime Museum
Maine State Music Theater
New Gloucester Public Library
North Yarmouth Academy
Oncology Support Foundation
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Pen Bay Christian Academy
Penobscot Marine Museum
Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County
Portland Ballet Company
Portland Stage Company
Portland Symphony Orchestra Show House
SASSMM
Skidompha Library
Skowhegan Public Library
Southern Maine Medical Center
St. Johns School
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
The Ark animal Shelter
The Stanley Museum
Topsham Rotary Club
Waldoboro Library
Winter Harbor Public Library
YMCA Boat Auction - Pen Bay