Hutson auction helps Old Town Cape efforts

Microphone in hand, Charles Hutson, with Chug's Auction, opened the floor for bids on a patio party for eight at Bella Italia.

As Hutson began calling off a series of dollar amounts, audience members raised numbers to bid on the item during the live auction.

Valued at $250, the party at the downtown Italian restaurant sold for $325.

The meal was among the 150 items bid on during the 22nd annual Charles L. Hutson Auction held Friday evening at Buckner Brewing Co. The event featured the live auction, three silent auctions and Mexican food to coincide with the night's Cinco de Mayo theme.

Donated items from individuals and downtown merchants included two one-year subscriptions to the Southeast Missourian, restaurant gift cards, free body piercing, a Super Bowl party for 20 people and a 14-karat gold ring.

All money raised benefited Old Town Cape, an association representing a 130-block district in downtown Cape Girardeau. Executive director Marla Mills said while exact amount raised won't be known until next week, she considered the event a success and hoped to surpass last year's record amount of $25,000.

"Not only is it important in terms of money raised for our organization but it creates a synergy and excitement," Mills said. "Everyone seems to have a good time each year and that's what we want."

Chris Hutson of Hutson's Fine Furniture said the auction is a fitting way to honor his late father Charles, who started the event 22 years ago. Charles Hutson passed away in 2003.

"It's a great honor and I'm glad everyone had a good time," said Hutson, wearing a sombrero. "This event seems to grow each year."

Preservationist Terri Foley said the auction is vital for helping to carry out Old Town Cape's efforts to revitalize downtown.

"The historical area of Cape Girardeau is the heart and soul of our community," said Foley, a member of Old Town Cape's board of directors. "This auction helps us carry out a number of things as we continue our revitalization efforts in this important part of Cape Girardeau."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628