MarsCon has been hosting charity auctions and food/clothing drives since we began. Through the generous contributions of attendees, we have been able to help Camp Heartland, the Alzheimer’s Association, Kids Need to Read, Twin Cities Second Harvest Heartland, Family Circuits, the Gordy Dickson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Standing Rock Reservation and Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.
MarsCon charity auction proceeds for 2013 will be split between the Gordy Dickson Memorial Scholarship Fund and Como Friends/Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
When: Saturday, March 2nd. Charity Auction items will be available for viewing at 9:30 AM, and silent bids will be accepted at that time. Open Auction starts at 10:00 A.M
Where: Main Stage, located in Jonathan/McIntosh, 2nd floor
The Gordy Dickson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2002 for three purposes: (1) To honor Gordy Dickson, local fan and science fiction and fantasy pro writer who died in 2001. (2) To collect money to send potential new writers to the Clarion Workshop for SF and fantasy writers or some other workshop. Gordy always encouraged new writers. (3) To promote accord in Twin Cities fandom by having a project that various fan clubs and individual fans can work on together. For further news and information about the fund, see sffan.org/gdmf..
Como Friends is the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, preserving and enhancing Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. See www.comozooconservatory.org/. Since forming in 1999, Como Friends has reinvested more than $30 million in programs and projects at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory that have helped to make this free-admission treasure Minnesota’s most visited cultural destination. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory holds a special place in the hearts of Minnesota SF/F fans. Many of our talented costumers and club members participate in ZooBoo at Como Zoo each year, including our dearly departed Con Chair Jodi Klug. We hope to honor her memory by raising funds for a charity which she supported for much of her life.
So, how can MarsCon attendees help out with Charity Auction and other charitable events at MarsCon? We’re glad you asked. Here are a few ways to help:
(1) Donate stuff! It’s not too late. If you have something that another attendee would bid on, drop it off in Ops when you arrive at the convention. Ops will be located in the Waldorf room this year, near Gaming and the second floor entrance from the parking ramp. Ops will also be accepting Food Drive donations which will go directly to Twin Cities’ Second Harvest Heartland after the convention.
(2) Bid on stuff! There is usually at least one treasure that you will really want--maybe an autographed picture of one of the Guests of Honor, a toy, some tickets to a movie, a poster, some books--so show up, bid, and remember that what you spend is going to support two worthwhile causes.
(3) Volunteer! We always need help setting up the auction donations for display prior to the auction, holding up items for better viewing during the auction, keeping track of bids and tabulating, etc… It’s a great way to help out.
As always, thank you for your generosity and support!
MarsCon 2013
March 1-3, 2013
Crowne Plaza Hotel and Suites
3 Appletree Square
Bloomington, MN 55425
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