Exciting new Silent Auction Announced in Monte-Carlo

Monday, June 29, 2009 - News
International circus federation seeks U.S. circus collectibles to help promote circus arts worldwide




The Federation Mondiale du Cirque, an international organization of circus-related associations based in Monte-Carlo under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, is seeking U.S. circus collectibles and memorabilia to be donated for a silent auction in Monte-Carlo in January 2010 as part of the festivities surrounding the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo.

"We held our first silent auction last January in support of the Federation's work to promote circus arts and culture worldwide," said Laura van der Meer, the Federation's executive director who spoke at the annual Circus Fans Association of America convention in Las Vegas in June 2009. "We discovered that there was a great deal of interest in American circus items that reflected the rich circus heritage in the United States."

She added: "Collecting, trading and auctioning of personal items, autographed photos, souvenir books and other circus memorabilia present a very personal and meaningful way to share circus arts and culture across national boundaries."

At her appearance in Las Vegas at the CFA convention, Ms. van der Meer challenged each membership Tent to identify and find at least one circus collectible that reflected the history and heritage of that particular group or area, and to donate it to the silent auction as a way of reaching out to and embracing circus fans and enthusiasts from around the world.

Donated items may be sent to the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) for collection and delivery to Monte-Carlo. Donors of items should provide a short written description of the item including the year of its production or use, plus an estimated fair market value. The address is FMC Silent Auction c/o OABA, 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045-A, Winter Park, FL 32792.

After the auction, each donor will receive a letter from the Federation identifying the donated item, purchaser and amount raised for the donation.

For more information on the Federation and/or the Silent Auction, please contact Rodney Huey at 703-627-1080, or rahpr99@gmail.com