News on the CPAWS auction

Here is an excerpt from the email I received today on behalf of CPAWS and the Mural Mosaic auction:

Dear Earth's Treasure Chest Bidders,
After a year of touring the country with this stunning mural and raisingawareness for CPAWS and its mission, we were thrilled to bring the muraltour to a powerful conclusion last night (May 14th, 2007).We are happy to report that the auction was a huge success - $45,861 was raised in support of the mural artists and for wilderness conservation! The mural auction team had no idea how great the interest was in thisproject from coast to coast as well as internationally. The astonishingoutpouring of support from all of you was something that the mural teamcould never have predicted. There is certainly an incredible spirit outthere that is bringing us all together for something as important as Canada's wildlife and the wilderness areas that we are all inspired by.Unfortunately, we have heard that in a few areas, due to the high volume of bidders, the connection to the website was slowed for some bidders. We, ofcourse, were the most disappointed when we discovered that some people had difficulties placing bids. We can understand the frustration those with difficulties must have felt as it frustrated us to hear the news becausethis inability also hindered the amount that could have been raised. Although this was beyond our control the mural auction team wants to sendour apologies to those of you who had difficulties. However, the mural team can not help but be encouraged by the fact that the biggest challenge this entire project faced was because the response was so incredible! So many of you have reached out to make a difference and we wanted to let you know that everyone that entered their name into the bidding process is such an important part of the success of this project. We can not thank all of you enough for what you have done to help make this "first time ever" Mural Mosaic online auction a success. For all the participation in the project will help Canada's amazing wilderness areas and the species that they harbour. We applaud you all for taking the time to listen to our message and for supporting the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in fulfilling its mission of protecting Canada's biodiversity and wilderness.
If you did not win with your bid but would still like to contribute to the success of the project in other ways please consider:
a) Purchasing a limited edition print. They are still available for only $100 which includes a book showcasing all the amazing artists who participated in the project. Seventy five percent of the proceeds of the sale of these prints go to supporting the protection of Canadian wilderness.
b) Consider donating to CPAWS' efforts directly
c) Consider supporting the artists in the mural by visiting their websites

In the event of a successful bidder being unable to come forth with a payment for the mural panel which they have won through the auction, the next highest bidder will be contacted. Thank you so much for celebrating with us through this incredible mural.

On behalf of the Mural Auction Team,

Phil Alain
MURAL MOSAIC

Catherine Shier
CPAWS Northern Alberta
Protecting Canada's biodiversity and wilderness since 1963
www.cpaws.org
cshier@cpaws.org
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society :: P.O. Box 52031 :: Edmonton, AB T6G2T5