Hi NEOA! Do you believe the conference is just 2 weeks and 2 days away? Just a reminder that if you have *SILENT AUCTION* items OR *STATE BASKETS* for the silent auction, please do the following: - Send Linda or Rachelle an email with a description of the item and its value ASAP so we can record it for our records and create a bid sheet. (thanks to those who have already done so!) - Please drop off your items *Tues. PM (before 6 and after 8:00), or Wed.AM before 9:30 at the Diamond BallRoom** 3B. This is where the auction is taking place. Please check with Linda if you are not sure if your items should be in the auction. Earlier emails were sent out about the items we will accept and deny.We will be happy to resend if you need it.* - For those responsible for *state baskets*, please have your contributors drop off their items *Wed. AM*. We realize that some conference attendees may not be able to get there early. It would be great if they can send their contributions with a board member or someone attending the pre-conference. Also, the point person for each state responsible for their basket *needs to have their baskets put together with the value by Wed AM* so we have the value when people bid and the baskets look "put together". We are asking for little in the way of college/institutional "bling". We earn more $ when there is a theme and items that are desirable by most who attend. - Remember that the Silent Auction and State Basket revenue goes directly into the new *Jerry Ellis Professional Development Fund. *We awarded 2 scholarships for the first time this year. BUT, we couldn't fund all the applicants and at full cost as we did not have enough money. The better the auction and baskets, the more money we raise for deserving NEOA members to receive money for their training and PD not covered by their programs!! - As you know, there will be a* Fair Share FOOTBALL*. If you are donating to the football, please be on the lookout for more instructions from Rob Pote, our Past President. Since similar items that are drinkable will be donated to both, please be aware of where your items should be dropped off. We ask a lot of you and appreciate your generous contributions as well as your willingness to bid high! *Lastly, it's not too late to sign up to take a shift at the auction. We could use some help setting up Wed. AM and breaking down, organizing the winners Thursday afternoon. Look for an email from Rachelle shortly or just let k neo fo us know! * With much gratitude,🫶 Linda and Rachelle