Swampscott High School Cable Club readies for annual auction

SWAMPSCOTT – Are you in the market for a bargain? If so be sure to check out the annual Swampscott High School Cable Club Auction, which will be broadcast live in several communities on Swampscott Cable Channel 15 May 19 through May 22 from 7-10 p.m.TV Production teacher and Cable Club advisor Tom Reid said the students are excited the auction will be broadcast in three communities this year, instead of just one.”For every year at least since 1995 when I got hired we’ve only been on in Swampscott and only on Comcast,” Reid said. “Thanks to Verizon we will be on in Swampscott, Lynn and Nahant on Channel 40 and in Swampscott on Comcast Channel 15.”Reid said the high school cable club program, which was started in 1995, only receives funding once every 10 years through the town contracts with cable companies.”The contract with the cable company paid for the new studio,” he said. “But that’s all the funding we’ll get for another 10 years so we basically run the program on money raised through this auction. It really makes the difference.”Reid said the auction, which raises approximately $10,000 each year, is the primary fundraiser for the Cable Club and Reid pointed out this is the first year residents in Lynn and Nahant will be able to watch the auction so he hopes the students are able to tap into those communities for sponsors as well.The event is much more than a fundraiser, however. Reid pointed out it is an opportunity for the approximately 65 students involved to work together cooperatively and put what they have learned to practical use.”This is our most watched televised event of the year,” he said. “And the technical challenges associated with producing live television are very rewarding and educational for the students.”Reid said there are hundreds of items up for auction this year including Red Sox tickets and a family membership to the Marblehead Swampscott YMCA.Even though there are some items valued at more than $1,000, Reid said the bulk of the money raised is from lower ticket items because of the volume.”We make the most from items valued at approximately $50,” he said. “That is because there are such a large number of items in that price range.”Reid said the students are working hard to secure items from sponsors for the auction and this is the only time of year the cable club asks for donations. He pointed out donations are tax deductible and any business that becomes a sponsor would receive three months of free advertising on Swampscott Cable Channel 15. Reid said donations would be accepted through May 22 and anyone interested in donating items for the live auction should call Reid at 781-596-8830 ext. 5318.