Online Bidding for Art Collectibles Benefits the Sacramento SPCA

Listen: Kenn Altine, CEO of The Sacramento SPCA.

Help animals while bidding on treasures at the first ever benefit auction for the Sacramento SPCA. Now open, this online auction closes at 10 a.m. July 31. Bidders can sign up and check out the auction lots at Witherells.com. Witherell’s auction house will conduct a free preview from 1 to 4 p.m. July 23 at its gallery, 300 20th St., Sacramento.

“Our inaugural Sacramento SPCA Benefit Auction features a diverse array of collectibles, fine art, jewelry and decorative arts,” said Brian Witherell of Witherell’s auction house. “The auction, which is entirely comprised of Sacramento SPCA donations, features a scarce 1906 Buffalo Brewing calendar. The calendar's auction estimate is $1,000 to $2,500.”

A true Sacramento find, this rare calendar features one of the area’s iconic beer makers. It’s among a few fantastic finds for lovers of local beer as well as local history – and animals. “The Buffalo Brewing calendar is the gem of the auction,” Witherell said. “It along with the other Ruhstaller and Buffalo Brewing items were donated by a local Sacramento family. The 1906 poster is one of three known examples. … To our knowledge, this will be the first one to be sold publicly.”

All net proceeds from the auction, which features 62 curated lots, will benefit the Sacramento SPCA, the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit, full service animal welfare organization in the Sacramento region. “The items were donated a variety of ways over several years from many donors, including items from estates, items from moves, and items donated to the Sacramento SPCA’s thrift store, Adoptable Goods,” explained Sarah Haney, Sacramento SPCA’s director of development. As would be expected, the auction includes several pieces of art featuring animals and other popular subjects. “The artwork was another generous donation,” Witherell said. “Many were purchased at prominent local galleries at substantially higher prices.” Longtime Sacramento SPCA volunteer Tracy Fairchild, the mother of a former Witherell employee, coordinated the auction effort. “The items are fascinating,” said Fairchild, a member of the SSPCA board of directors. “They come from very different eras and sensibilities. …We have everything: Sculpture, mixed media artwork. It’s truly hard to describe; it’s so eclectic.