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Auction proceeds to fund continued repairs and renovations to the 1886 Stafford Opera House
The Columbus Historical Preservation Trust (CHPT) will host its 4th Annual Hop into Spring online auction from April 30 through May 4 to support continued restoration projects at the Stafford Opera House.
“We are excited to have so many great items to offer our bidders this spring,” said Julie Prause, CHPT president. “From jewelry to home décor to garden necessities…even a stay at a beautiful home on Lake Travis. There are a variety of items to pique everyone’s interest.”
More than 40 Spring-inspired items donated by local businesses and community members will be up for auction. Beautiful jewelry pieces, delicious homemade goodies, gourmet dining experiences, and other fun and festive things to welcome the sun and warmer days ahead are included.
These donations, along with additional financial contributions, will enable CHPT to maximize its fundraising efforts.
“As always, we are grateful for the continued support of the community”, said Doris Klaus, auction chair. “Our fundraising goal for this year’s spring online auction is to raise $15,000 or more to continue repairs on the Opera House.”
Funds from the 2025 Hop into Spring online auction have been earmarked for costs associated with replacing the air conditioning unit in the Grand Hall, adding bathrooms to the 2nd floor, purchasing new chairs, and updating the sound system in the Grand Hall. In total, the Stafford Opera House renovation project will cost approximately $1,000,000. To date, 41% ($415,000) of the goal has been met.
“We are well on our way to meeting our fundraising goal for the Save Our Opera House capital campaign,” said Prause. “We’ve made incredible progress so far, and with everyone’s continued support, I know we can get there. We encourage everyone to bid high and bid often to help us save the crown jewel of Colorado County.”
The auction catalog opened for viewing on Monday, April 21, at 8:00 a.m. Bidding will open at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, and will close at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. To view the auction catalog, interested bidders can visit the Events page on the CHPT website (www.columbushpt. org).
CHPT will spotlight many auction items on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ColumbusHistoricalPreservation- Trust) from April 21 through the last day of bidding.
To bid, create a user account via the online auction site. Guests can also sign up to receive email notifications to keep up to date with newly added auction items or outbid notices. There is no cost to create an account or view the auction catalog.
About Columbus Historical Preservation Trust: Columbus Historical Preservation Trust (CHPT) is dedicated to the preservation of the history and culture of Columbus, Texas.
The all-volunteer Board of Directors hosts fundraisers and community events throughout the year to educate the public, enhance understanding of Columbus’ history, and encourage tourism. CHPT owns and maintains four historic properties in town, including the 1886 Stafford Opera House, the Alley Log Cabin and Antique Tool Museum, the Dilue Rose Harris House Museum, and the Santa Claus Museum.
More information about CHPT may be found on www. columbushpt.org.
