Presented by the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, it is the major fundraiser for the summer's annual Honor America Days Celebration.

"For the 20th consecutive year, the Rome Chamber will be holding its Silent Auction and Dance Party to benefit the annual Honor America Days Celebration.

Honor America Days is a time for people of all ages to come out and enjoy the exciting Parade on Saturday, July 30, followed later that evening with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert at Fort Stanwix. Church bells, cannon fire, an extraordinary firework display — it's a full day of excitement that promotes patriotism and boosts community pride.

As you would imagine, the expenses associated with staging such a full day's worth of activities are quite significant. In fact, it costs more than $40,000 for the Parade and Concert. Although the financial support provided by our major sponsors helps us meet the majority of our expenses, the proceeds from the annual Silent Auction go a long way toward helping us to make ends meet.

Here's how you can help: 1. Please consider contributing an item to the Silent Auction. The item can be donated by you, your employer, or both. Some items that have sold well at past auctions include: gift baskets, wine, holiday de cor items, any food items, gift certificates, house wares, electronic items, tools, books, etc. I have enclosed a donation form for your convenience.

2. Please mark your calendar now and plan to attend the auction on Friday, April 1, at the Beeches Restaurant, 6-10pm. You will receive more information in the mail. We encourage you to bring your spouse, a friend, or colleague for a full evening of enjoyment.

Thank you in advance for your support of this important event. Together we can make the 2011 Honor America Days Celebration the place to be this summer! "

To donate an item, download and mail or fax the Silent Auction Donation Form or call the Chamber at 337-1700.

Posted: 10 March 2011