The 2017 Stamp Out Cancer fundraising auction, the 40th edition of this auction, was held on April 22 to great success. Like in previous years, the Quad City Stamp Club brought together stamp collectors from around the country in an effort to raise money for cancer research and managed to raise over $9,200.
About The 2017 Stamp Out Cancer Auction
American Philatelic Society Chapter 249, better known as the Quad City Stamp Club, recently held its 2017 Stamp Out Cancer event in Moline, Illinois in the basement of Faith Lutheran Church. The purpose of the yearly event is to raise money for the Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and 2017’s event was one of the best ever and succeeded in raising over $9,200 for cancer research.
This year a large group of stamp enthusiasts was on hand to bid on a wide range of U.S. and foreign stamps and historical postal memorabilia. A total of 630 lots were up for auction, and in order to ensure things run more smoothly, the event was split into two separate auctions. On one side of the room, collectors could view and bid on U.S. stamps, while all of the worldwide stamps and historical items were located on the other side of the room.
The four-hour event was run by four separate auctioneers, who took turns in one-hour shifts and presided over a flurry of frenzied bidding action. Since the U.S. and worldwide auctions took place simultaneously, some bidders chose to sit in the middle of the room so that they could place bids in both auctions whereas others chose to focus on only one auction at a time.
Highlights of the 2017 Stamp Out Cancer Auction
The event featured a number of quite interesting lots, one of which was a box of mint condition 1930s U.S. souvenir sheets. Although the lot was listed at a value of nearly $220, the lucky winner was able to take it home for only $130. This continued what has become a common theme of these yearly Stamp Out Cancer events where bidders continue to get rare and valuable items at truly excellent prices.
As well as the aforementioned lot, this year also featured a wide range of used and mint single stamps, full panes and plate blocks. Some collectors also ended up taking home some truly fascinating pieces of postal history.
In addition to the large group of live bidders, another 40 or so individuals from 12 different states took place by placing their bids online or through the mail. Of these bidders, 13 of them were successfully and took home a range of valuable items.
Conclusion
After taking in more than $9,200 in 2017, the Quad City Stamp Club has now raised more than $280,000 for cancer research in the 40 years that it has been holding the 2017 Stamp Out Cancer auction. This is most definitely an impressive feat and one that shows that the club’s commitment to charity has really paid off over these past four decades.
Those who attended the 40th-annual event all went home having had a great time, no matter whether they got the items they had their eyes on or not. In fact, the event was such a success that local collectors are already looking forward to and planning for next year’s event. If you’re interested in staying up-to-date on this and other events, subscribe to our newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out.
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