Nye County Celebrity Auction set for community

In what can best be described as a throwback to an archaic and antiquated era in this nation’s history, a dozen living, breathing American adults will be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the Pahrump Nugget on Saturday evening.

Please note, that there should be no cause for alarm, as the lighthearted event serves as a fundraiser for the local Nevada Outreach Training Organization’s No To Abuse program.

Expectations on whether exhaustive manual labor is part of the agreement is strictly between the successful bidder and the individual on the auction block.

Proceeds generated from the popular annual Nye County Celebrity Auction go directly to the not-for-profit agency, supporting victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The organization serves men, women and children throughout Nye County.

Salli Kerr, executive director of the Nevada Outreach Training Organization, spoke of the many services provided by the agency by way of various funding mechanisms, including the auction.

“This celebrity auction is used to raise support and awareness for No to Abuse, our program which serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence,” Kerr said. “In 2016, we served 178 clients needing services ranging from emergency shelter, to the relocation to supportive family members.

“We also provide assistance with the Victims of Crime application process, court accompaniment, and other services,” Kerr said. “It is the mission of the Nevada Victims of Crime Program to provide financial assistance to qualified victims of crime in a timely, cost-efficient, and compassionate manner.”

Additionally, Kerr said the organization routinely works closely with other community service providers to help with referrals and keep clients as self-sufficient as possible.

Auctioneer Ski Censke will also serve as master of ceremonies during the evening.

“We have different people from the community who have volunteered to be auctioned off,” Censke said. “If you’re successful bidding on one person, they would possibly take you out to lunch or another person will take you out on any number of different activities like that.”

The celebrities on the auction block this year are a veritable who’s who among business owners, local government officials and a few members of local media outlets.

Even Nevada District 36 Assemblyman James Oscarson has agreed to participate.

Rounding out the field are: business owner Leo Blundo, Publisher Ron Frazier, Desert View Hospital CEO Susan Davila, local therapist Alicia Lewis, local developer Tom Laskowski, Nye County Commissioner Dan Schinhofen, business owner Tom Saitta, Valley Communications Association Chief Operating Officer Kathie McKenna, Valley Electric Association’s Ramon Abueg, KPVM News 46 Anchor/News Director Deanna O’Donnell and Nye County Sheriff Sharon Wehrly.

Pahrump Valley Times Publisher Noah Cusick is on the auction block for the second year in a row.

Cusick said, as a board member, and due to last year’s success, he’s more than pleased to continue this very important fundraising event.

“I think it’s great to have such generous and willing individuals participate,” Cusick said. “All the proceeds are going directly to No To Abuse, which will help many people in need here in Nye County. The night is guaranteed to be a fun-filled, hilarious event and I am personally looking forward to selling myself for the cause.”

The event is being held inside the Pahrump Nugget Events Center, beginning with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m., with the auction beginning at 6 p.m.

A silent auction and snacks are also a part of the festivities.

Admission is $10 per person.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes