BY KIRSTEN BOLTON
FOR ARTSPRING
ArtSpring’s best known fundraiser Treasure Fair is announcing its spotlight item, which organizers hope will entice local and off-island bidders to make this popular three-day event in July its most successful effort yet: a Porsche.
Long-time Treasure Fair community chair Catherine Griffiths was so excited by the donation she delayed her retirement from the position, after overseeing 2023’s most successful Treasure Fair drive in ArtSpring’s history by only $850.
“There is something magical about this opportunity that aligns with ArtSpring’s 25th Anniversary Celebration,” says Griffiths. “An anonymous donor reached out after reading an article in the Driftwood about last year’s Treasure Fair, and wanting to support the arts on Salt Spring, he felt compelled to put up this very generous opportunity.”
A collector’s item, the vehicle is a Porsche 356 Speedster replica built from the ground up based on the 1956 iconic model with a main frame chassis from a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle custom restored by sought-after Vintage Motors in California. The rest of the components are brand new. The car has only 670 kilometres on the engine.
More details are expected to be released, including information for curious bidders seeking to see the car in person, which is planned to be hosted on-site at ArtSpring as of July 2 during opening hours.
While this may be a five-figure highlight item, donations are rushing in that will give bidders plenty to consider at all price points and interests. Already, bucket list vacations to the Yukon, vintage furniture, artworks, lifestyle experiences, art and concert experiences, sporting and gardening equipment, jewellery, sailing trips and more have been added to the auction database.
Last day for donations is June 19 and information is available about tax receipts from the Treasure Fair team. Some limited storage is available. Interested donors and online bidders are required to register at Treasure Fair’s auction site, which can be found at treasurefair.artspring.ca
Donors and registrants are invited to the Preview Gala on Wednesday, July 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. to see an advance presentation of items in person. Bidding opens online at 6 p.m. and closes Saturday at 6 p.m.
The 2024 Treasure Fair fundraising goal is $55,000.