This Year's Benefit Auction Offers the 2016 Toyota Prius Two Hybrid

Large or small, one-time or recurring, individual donations are the largest source of financial support for Rhode Island PBS. The station hosts a variety of fund raising events throughout the year to boost opportunities to donate and to offer fun and rewards to you for your loyal support. Among the favorite events each year is the annual Benefit Auction, which, for almost 20 years, has featured a vehicle donated by your New England Toyota Dealer.

This year’s Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction features the 2016 Toyota Prius Two Hybrid. If you are in the market for a car, this fun-to-drive vehicle is loaded with standard features, is technologically advanced, safe, and environmentally friendly. Put yourself behind the wheel of this car by being the winning high bidder. Plus, you know your winning high bid supports the shows you love to watch on Rhode Island PBS. Win-Win!

Poldark and Sherlock on Masterpiece, Great Performances at The Met, Doc Martin, Call the Midwife, Antiques Roadshow. These and so many other national and local programs and series are the shows you tell us you love to watch week after week on Rhode Island PBS. These shows are only possible thanks to financial support from you and public television viewers like you.

The Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction opens on Monday, October 3 and closes on Sunday, October 23 at 8 p.m.

Let us know if you have any questions. Spread the word about the Benefit Auction to your family and friends, especially those looking for a new set of wheels! Thank you for your support.

2015 Benefit Auction Opens October 5

Downton Abbey on Masterpiece, Great Performances at The Met, Doc Martin, Antiques Roadshow. These and so many other national and local programs you and fellow public television viewers love to watch day after day, week after week on WSBE Rhode Island PBS are supported by donations from you and viewers like you.


Large or small, one-time or recurring, individual donations are the largest source of support for Rhode Island PBS. Every year, the station hosts a variety of fund raising events to boost support opportunities and to offer fun and rewards to viewers for their loyal support. Among the favorite events each year is the annual Benefit Auction, which, for the past 15 years, has featured a vehicle donated by your New England Toyota Dealers.

This year’s Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction features the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE. If you're in the market for a new car, put yourself behind the wheel of this fuel-efficient sporty sedan by being the winning high bidder.

The Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction also features three works of original art. Make a bold statement by choosing one or more of these pieces for home or office. Two are framed oil on canvas, signed and dated by artist John Eyre (1935-2007). One measures 38” x 38” and features purples, blues, black and white. The brilliant colors and extra large size of 50” x 74” of the second Eyre work make it an excellent choice for display in a company lobby or hung in a home with high ceilings. The third artwork is untitled and unsigned mixed media encaustic wax and oil on a 48” x 48” panel.

And if the sea is calling and you’re looking for a great winter project while you wait for next summer, set your heart and your sights on restoring a vintage 1967 O’Day Rhodes 19. The sea-worthy vessel includes mainsail and jib, plus LoadRite trailer.

You are invited to call us and come to the Rhode Island PBS studios between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday before the auction closes to inspect the artwork or the sail boat up close before you bid.

The Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction opens on Monday, October 5 and closes on Sunday, October 25. Closing times are different for each item, so please check the listings on the auction site for the precise closing time for your favorite item.

Let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!

updated October 5, 2015

Are You on the Watch List? (Benefit Auction Closes Sunday)

Tick tock! The Rhode Island PBS 2014 Benefit Auction is winding down, but you still have time to make your bid. The Auction ends Sunday, October 26, 2014. The 2014 Benefit Auction offers four specialty items chosen with you in mind. Bid with confidence, knowing your winning bid supports the shows you love to watch on Rhode Island PBS.

The Rhode Island PBS 2014 Benefit Auction features the 2015 Toyota Prius Two, generously donated by your New England Toyota Dealer. The Toyota Prius Two hybrid delivers five-passenger comfort, safety, and legendary fuel efficiency. Right now, bid $19,750 and you could find yourself behind the wheel of a 2015 Toyota Prius II, valued at $25,250. But place your bid before this auction closes at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday, October 26.

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FrameMyTV.com offers a creative and attractive way to hide your wall-mounted flat screen TV when it's not in use - transform it into a mirror or painting. Your bid of $800 could buy you a $1,500 decorating solution from FrameMyTV.com. This gift certificate will be sold at 8:45 p.m. EDT Sunday, October 26.

Hide your TV screen behind the specially designed beam-splitting reflective glass. Turn your TV off and it is beautifully concealed by mirrored glass; turn your TV on and the glass reveals the crystal clear image on the screen behind it. Several design and decorating styles are available. Custom frame options are available, or go frameless and opt for a bathroom TV mirror. This item comes to the winning bidder in the form of a gift certificate valued at $1,500.

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Famous for their breakfasts, The Welch House Inn in Boothbay Harbor Maine offers spectacular views in any season. Savor the bounty during your two-night stay at The Welch House Inn, a 19th century Maine B and B overlooking Boothbay Harbor in mid-coast Maine.  Bid $366 and you could spend 2-nights at The Welch House Inn in Maine. This trip will sell at 8:30 p.m. EDT Sunday, October 26.

Watch the boats sail by as you enjoy a full gourmet breakfast from the spacious deck or the glass front dining room. Walk to the best restaurants, galleries, and excursions that Boothbay Harbor offers, then enjoy an amazing sunset from the rooftop deck of this century old shipbuilder’s home. All 14 guestrooms have private baths, A/C, and TV/VCR. King, Queen, or Double Beds available with spectacular harbor views and gas fireplaces. Open year round. The stay at The Welch House Inn is valued at $455.

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Enjoy the beauty of Jamaica's world-famous seven mile beach in Negril - voted one of the top beaches in the world - during your four-day three-night stay in Garden Room accommodations at the quaint beachfront villa resort, Rondel Village. Your bid of $175 starts your journey of 4 days / 3 nights at Jamaica's Rondel Village resort. Bidding on this trip ends at 8:15 p.m. EDT Sunday, October 26. This item has a value of $350.

This unique property offers privacy and tranquility in spacious accommodations, amid lush tropical gardens. It's an enchanting paradise where service is personalized and the surroundings are comfortable and relaxing. Rondel Village is a beautiful resort with beachside pool and new spa. Rondel Village is a winner of the Travelife Silver Award for sustainability in 2013, the Tourism Service Excellence Award in 2011 from the Negril Champion Organization and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Winner, Small Hotels Award in 2008. Also a national winner for the NCB Women in Business Award in 2011.

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The Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction is online only at ripbs.org until Sunday, October 26. Experience the benefit! 

Rhode Island PBS 2014 Benefit Auction Opens October 6

Rhode Island PBS proudly announces our 2014 Benefit Auction, offering four specialty items chosen with you in mind. Bid with confidence, knowing your winning bid supports the shows you love to watch on Rhode Island PBS.

The Rhode Island PBS 2014 Benefit Auction features the 2015 Toyota Prius Two, generously donated by your New England Toyota Dealer. The Toyota Prius Two hybrid delivers five-passenger comfort, safety, and legendary fuel efficiency.

FrameMyTV.com offers a clever and attractive way to hide your wall-mounted flat screen TV when it's not in use - transform it into a mirror or painting. Several design and decorating styles are available.

Hide your TV screen behind the specially designed beam-splitting reflective glass. Turn your TV off and it is beautifully concealed by mirrored glass; turn your TV on and the glass reveals the crystal clear image on the screen behind it.

Custom frame options are available, or go frameless and opt for a bathroom TV mirror. This item comes to the winning bidder in the form of a gift certificate valued at $1,500.

Famous for their breakfasts, The Welch House Inn in Boothbay Harbor Maine offers spectacular views in any season. Savor the bounty during your two-night stay at The Welch House Inn, a 19th century Maine B and B overlooking Boothbay Harbor in mid-coast Maine.

Watch the boats sail by as you enjoy a full gourmet breakfast from the spacious deck or the glass front dining room. Walk to the best restaurants, galleries, and excursions that Boothbay Harbor offers, then enjoy an amazing sunset from the rooftop deck of this century old shipbuilder’s home. 

All 14 guestrooms have private baths, A/C, and TV/VCR. King, Queen, or Double Beds available with spectacular harbor views and gas fireplaces. Open year round. The stay at The Welch House Inn is valued at $455.

Enjoy the beauty of Jamaica's world-famous seven mile beach in Negril - voted one of the top beaches in the world - during your four-day three-night stay in Garden Room accommodations at the quaint beachfront villa resort, Rondel Village.

This unique property offers privacy and tranquility in spacious accommodations, amid lush tropical gardens. It's an enchanting paradise where service is personalized and the surroundings are comfortable and relaxing. Rondel Village is a beautiful resort with beachside pool and new spa.

Rondel Village is a winner of the Travelife Silver Award for sustainability in 2013, the Tourism Service Excellence Award in 2011 from the Negril Champion Organization and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Winner, Small Hotels Award in 2008. Also a national winner for the NCB Women in Business Award in 2011. This item has a value of $350.

The Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction is online only at ripbs.org in October. Experience the benefit! Bidding opens Monday, October 6.

Published September 24
Updated October 3

Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction Opens September 22

Sometimes less is more. For proof, visit the Rhode Island PBS 2013 Benefit Auction, featuring just three items: the 2013 Toyota Prius v, round-trip accommodations for two between Chicago and New Orleans aboard a Pullman Rail Journeys sleeping car, and a dramatic Turkish wool wall hanging from Rustigian Rugs of Providence. Bidding opens on September 22.

The idea of a non-profit organization hosting an auction to raise money is not a new idea. In fact, auction has been part of the Rhode Island PBS tradition since 1978. The way auctions are conducted has changed over time, however, with more and more non-profits – Rhode Island PBS included – moving away from the chaos of live auctions to the quieter (but no less exciting and hotly competitive) arena of online auction.

The worldwide stage notwithstanding, the greatest support for Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auctions traditionally comes from the local audience – individuals who share a particular fondness for and loyalty to Rhode Island PBS. More than just engaging in a transaction, these local bidders from all across the tri-state viewing area are invested in the station. They share a special pride knowing they have contributed to the success of their very own public television station – an organization that values their engagement and appreciates their support.

Donors are the other essential element in the equation of auction success. For more than a decade, a loyal partner in Rhode Island PBS’s fundraising successes has been the New England Toyota Dealers. Each year for the past dozen or so, the New England Toyota Dealers have donated a brand new vehicle to the Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction, attracting hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to support the public television station’s programming and operations.

This year’s Benefit Auction, which opens September 22, features the 2013 Toyota Prius v, named “Best Overall Value of the Year for 2013” by Intellichoice. The 5-passenger Toyota Prius v delivers performance, legendary fuel efficiency, and was chosen 2013 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The long list of this model’s features is posted to the Rhode Island PBS Web site, ripbs.org.

Two other unique items are offered in the Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction for 2013: a luxurious train trip and a decorative wall hanging.

Pullman Rail Journeys provides the round-trip sleeping accommodations, meals and beverages for two between Chicago and New Orleans, a trip valued at $3,900. Travelers may choose to begin their trip from either city. The Category B Double Bedroom features an upper and lower berth, private toilet and sink, and lounge services available throughout the journey.

The wall hanging, donated by Rustigian Rugs of Providence, is a contemporary piece made of fragments of older Persian and Turkish flat woven kilim carpets, depicting antique decanters through an arched window. Donor valued at $2,495, the face of the piece is 100% wool. This piece was designed and fabricated in Istanbul, Turkey, and makes a bold artistic statement at an impressive 3 by 5 feet (actually, 2-feet 11-inches wide by 5-feet 1-inch tall).

For photos and more information about the 2013 Rhode Island PBS Benefit Auction featuring the 2013 Toyota Prius v, please visit ripbs.org.

2012 Toyota Prius v featured in Rhode Island PBS Spring Auction

This year's Rhode Island PBS Spring Auction offers a 2012 Toyota Prius v. Below are a photo of the vehicle and Toyota's description:

Your New England Toyota Dealer has generously donated the vehicle named as the Best Car to Buy for 2012 by GreenCarReports.com, the all-new Toyota Prius v.

The much acclaimed 2012 Toyota Prius v hybrid delivers the highest combined fuel efficiency of any SUV, crossover utility vehicle or wagon with its EPA-estimated 42-mpg combined rating.

But great fuel efficiency isn’t the whole story. The Prius v boasts very low ownership costs. In fact, Intellichoice.com has ranked Prius v “2012 Best Overall Value of the Year” because owning it could save you $6,990 in five-year ownership costs.

 The comfortable, 5-passenger Toyota Prius v doesn’t just save you money; it delivers amazing performance while producing 66% fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle. This Prius v features the Star Safety System with seven airbags and contains 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s more cargo space than over 80% of small SUVs. It’s really no wonder that the “v” in Prius v stands for versatility!

Other features include:

• 6.1 inch touch-screen with Navigation, Entune, and integrated backup camera 
• AM/FM/Satellite radio, CD player, MP3 player/iPod holder, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and 6 speakers 
• Remote keyless entry and Push Button Start 
• Project-beam halogen headlights with auto-off feature 
• Cruise Control 
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors 
• Heated outside mirrors 
• 60/40 split fold-flat rear bench seat

Televised 2011 Spring Auction begins TONIGHT!

The studio is set, dressed, and lit. The items are lined up backstage, tagged and ready, waiting for their cue to make their television debut. The 2011 Rhode Island PBS Spring Auction starts at 7 p.m. tonight. The Auction continues through Saturday.

For all the activity you see during the show, the first night of live auction is especially busy behind the scenes - and it starts hours before the red lights on the TV cameras start glowing. Friends who have joined us for this annual event each year for decades will reunite, sharing hugs and handshakes. New volunteers will feel as welcome as family. They will chat over dinner, receive assignments and brief training, then man the laptops and phones, or boards and tables, with the confidence that their effort, their time, their dedication are important and appreciated. And they will have fun!

Tune in tonight at 7 p.m. for the excitement and (very) organized chaos of opening night of the 2011 Rhode Island PBS Spring Auction. Follow the bidding action online.

Featured item: 2011 Toyota Prius Hybrid
generously donated by your New England Toyota Dealer!

 

2011 Spring Auction Online Now, on TV May 4

With almost 1,000 items of all shapes, sizes, and values available – including a 2011 Toyota Prius Hybrid* generously donated by your New England Toyota Dealer – the televised Rhode Island PBS 2011 Spring Auction kicks off in just over a week. Bidding opened online on April 18.

"Despite the flagging economy, companies and individuals have responded to the Auction with overwhelming support and generous donations," said WSBE Auction Director Jeffrey Hartley. Looking around the storage room, he remarked, "There literally is something for everyone, and in every price range."

Hartley has been the WSBE auction director for almost 10 years. In that time, he has seen technology undergo a huge revolution, and he has kept pace by moving all auction activity onto the Internet.

"Every Spring Auction item is posted online," Hartley said. "This is our third year of putting all items online. People really love the convenience. Everything from a $10 pizza to the $25,000 Prius is available for preview and bidding online."

In addition to browsing pictures and descriptions, online bidders will know the exact time each item will be sold, to help them devise their bidding strategy. During the televised auction, bidding activity can be tracked in real time. The auction site also permits proxy bidding, which means bidders can reserve a maximum amount they are willing to bid on an item. It's important to note that only the minimum dollar amount needed to win the item will be used. Although not foolproof, the proxy bidding strategy is especially useful if a bidder will not be available to watch the auction close on an item of particular interest, or if the bidder suspects there will be increased competitive bidding at the last minute.

"A bid can sit unchallenged for days or even weeks, but there are watchers who are keeping an eye on it," Hartley noted. "Then, in the final minute, bids come in from all over, and the person who had the winning bid two minutes ago loses out. That happens several times every year. Proxy bidding can help protect against that by automatically challenging counter bids. It's what makes auctions so exciting."

Fans of the popular annual event who do not have Internet access can still watch the auction live on television and call in to place their bids from Wednesday, May 4 through Saturday, May 7, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening.

"All bids will be placed online, whether bidders do it themselves on computers at home, or by calling our studio and having our volunteers place bids online for them," Hartley explained.

Conducting the auction online opens it up to a world-wide audience. "We have had auction winners from all over the country, even as far away as California and Washington," Hartley said.

Casting a wider net using the 'Net increases visibility and positive exposure for the station, and for the many businesses that donated goods and services. Still, it is the close connection to the local community that differentiates WSBE from other public television stations in the region.

"The heart and soul of WSBE is our relationship with our members, donors, and volunteers," Hartley stated. "There is no greater proof of that than our Spring Auction."

To see auction items, bid online, or for more information, visit www.ripbs.org.

*Click here for information about the 2011 Toyota Prius Hybrid

Gas Prices Got You Blue? Think "Blue Ribbon Metallic" Instead

Considering the shocking prices at the gas pumps, this is a timely and appealing offer. We are proud, delighted, and ever so grateful to present this show-topper in the Rhode Island PBS Spring Auction - check it out!

Your New England Toyota Dealer has generously donated the car people think of when they think of hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius.

The much-acclaimed Toyota Prius Hybrid has won numerous green car awards and it’s really no wonder, with its EPA-estimated 50-mpg combined rating. It accomplishes this while delivering amazing performance and producing 70% fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.

But the 2011 Toyota Prius doesn’t just help save the planet, it will also save you money: Prius boasts very low ownership costs and for nine years in a row IntelliChoice.com has ranked it a “Best Overall Value of the Year.” IntelliChoice research shows that owning a 2011 Toyota Prius could save you over $5,600 in five-year ownership costs.

This comfortable, five-passenger Toyota Prius Three, donated by Your New England Toyota Dealer, is Blue Ribbon Metallic in color and comes generously equipped. Features include:

• Toyota's STAR Safety System, including seven airbags;
• Remote keyless entry and pushbutton start;
• Automatic climate control with air filtration;
• Antilock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution & Brake Assist;
• Projector-Beam, auto-off halogen headlights;
• JBL AM/FM audio system with six-disk CD changer, auxiliary input with MP3/WMA capability, eight speakers and integrated satellite radio;
• Bluetooth wireless connectivity;
• Cruise Control;
• Instant MPG meter;
• Fabric Seats;
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors;
• Heated outside mirrors;
• 60/40 split fold-flat rear bench seat;
• Carpeted floor and cargo area mats;
• Rear deck spoiler

For even more information about this 2011 Toyota Prius, and to preview our other auction items (more lots still being added!) please visit the Rhode Island PBS Spring Auction site. Preview is open, and bidding begins on MONDAY (April 18). 

2010 Rhode Island PBS Spring Auction Features the 2010 Toyota Prius

Your New England Toyota Dealer has generously donated the car most people think of when they think of hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius.

The much-acclaimed 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid has been named Green car of the Year  by WhatGreenCar.com and it’s really no wonder, with its EPA-estimated 50-mpg combined rating. It accomplishes this while delivering amazing performance and producing 70% fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.

But the 2010 Toyota Prius doesn’t just help save the planet, it will also save you money: Prius boasts very low ownership costs and for eight years in a row IntelliChoice.com has ranked it “best Overall Value of the Year.” IntelliChoice research shows that owning a 2010 Toyota Prius could save you over $6,800 in five-year ownership costs.

As you can see, this comfortable, five-passenger Toyota Prius comes well equipped. Features include the Star Safety System with seven airbags; a JBL audio system with eight speakers, 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM/MP3, Bluetooth and Satellite capability; automatic climate control, cruise control; power windows and locks; rear spoiler and more!

The 2010 Prius donated by Your New England Toyota Dealer is Blue Ribbon Metallic in color and includes the following equipment:

• Remote keyless entry and push button start;
• Automatic climate control with air filtration;
• Antilock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist;
• Projector-Beam, auto-off halogen headlights;
• JBL AM/FM/MP3 6-disk CD changer with 8 speakers, integrated satellite radio
• Bluetooth wireless and auxiliary audio jack  
• Cruise Control
• Instant MPG meter
• Fabric Seats
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors;
• Heated outside mirrors;
• 60/40 split fold-flat rear bench seat
• Rear deck spoiler

… and more!

Click here to see the "Window Sticker" information including a detailed list of equipment. This vehicle is valued at $24,750. Bidding starts at just $19,990.