Alley Pond to Hold Holiday Auction

Alley Pond Environmental Center hopes to put northeast Queens residents in the holiday spirit and raise some money for its programs during an auction this Sunday at its Northern Boulevard site.

Irene Scheid, who is executive director of the center, said the Hot Cocoa Holiday Auction Fundraiser would bring in money for the Wee Sprouts, Toddler Time, Fledglings and Sunny Bunnies programs.

"We still have a large waiting list for our programs, but we are now raising funds because of budget cuts from the city and state," Scheid said. "We're doing the fundraising to make up the difference, so we don't have to cut back on programs."

The center's four programs for kids will operate from January through March.  All four programs, which range from $154 to $460, are aimed at children ages four and below.

During the classes, tots will be able learn about animals and explore Alley Pond's nature trails.

On Sunday, the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the auction. Bidding for prizes and refreshments will kick off at 7 p.m.

Attendees can win hot plates, artwork, Barbie dolls for children and a variety of other prizes, Scheid said.

Artist Fred Adel will be selling his artwork and proceeds will be donated to the center. Scheid said she estimates that as many as 60 to 70 people will bid on items.

The event will offer an assortment of holiday treats, including cookies, cakes, tea and coffee.

Scheid said the center raised more than $40,000 at its Green Gala event in November.

"It was more successful than we thought it would be," Scheid said. "In this current economy, we were thrilled."

The center is located at 228-06 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston.

For more information, visit the center's website.