Look but don’t bid … yet

My rewarding first year at SOM owes no small debt to our Internship Fund. Managed by first-years, the Internship Fund has always generated the enthusiastic support of the entire SOM community to raise money for students who seek funding for non-profit, public or social enterprise sector internships. It is one of SOM’s proudest traditions, displaying in full force our values of societal service, leadership and, quite simply, looking out for each other. Our Fund team started the year with trepidation. Second years had raised the fundraising bar sky-high last year and our class’ interest in not-for-profit sectors was unprecedented. Could we match these formidable expectations? Six months later, the answer has been a resounding yes. Student Fundraising Week in February saw every first year and a remarkable share of second years make gifts to the Fund, collecting a record-shattering $38,000. Dean Oster matched student generosity by donating $25,000 and alumni have since displayed incredible engagement. The stage, in sum, is set to unveil the crowning jewel of SOM’s social calendar: the spectacular silent and live auctions hosted by the Class of 2011’s Internship Fund – There is No Place like SOM! On the Fund’s new website, accessible from anywhere on the globe, the auction team has assembled an array of adventures and gifts as unique as the SOM community - students, alumni, faculty, staff, family and friends - that stands behind them. The silent auction’s “look period” commences today and the collection’s splendor rivals even that of Oz. A mere morsel: • Delicious drinks and sparkling conversation at New Haven’s legendary bar Mory’s with Dean Oster, Professor Rae and Professor Bagley! • An exclusive meal with Newsweek CEO and SOM alum, Tom Ascheim! • The ultimate survival exercise with Professor Vroom! (“Survivor” is tea and sympathy in comparison) • Skydiving with Professor Dawson! But wait, there is more – much more. Beautiful collectibles from across the globe, Mets tickets, Golfing with Goetzmann, handmade hammocks, Broadway tickets, annual subscriptions to the Rep, gorgeous jewelry, classy coiffure, original artwork, vacation homes and, and … and. So I don’t know about you, but I’m telling my friends, forming teams, estimating BATNA’s, setting bids and preparing for a protracted battle. May the best bids win! More information at www.internshipfund.org “There is No Place like SOM” captures why many of us love this community. We’re unique, and we rock. The Internship Fund's auctions will leave no doubt on either count. Key dates: • Look period (no bidding) starts TODAY and ends April 12th • Silent auction (online) begins from April 12th through the 15th • And finally – unquestionably the best party of SOM’s calendar – the Emerald City Live Auction on April 15th, at Donaldson Commons! The evening will bring together SOM’ers past and present for fabulous prizes, outrageous hosts, hilarity, community, leadership, business and society, all a la SOM. This is the one night none of us will soon forget.