Bid To Meet Glenn Close At 3rd Annual Karla Smith Foundation Dinner Auction

By Alicia Sparks
November 5, 2009

If you were excited about the chance to bid on “God of Carnage” tickets and schmooze time with James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden, you might also be happy to know that at its third annual dinner auction, the Karla Smith Foundation is going to accept bids to meet Glenn Close, the Oscar-nominated and Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe award-winning actress and the famous face behind the new mental illness organization Bring Change 2 Mind.

On November 7, 2009, the Karla Smith Foundation will hold its third annual dinner auction at the Fountains Conference Center in Fairview Heights, Illinois, and in addition to a trip to New York, a trip to West Palm Beach, a baseball autographed by Albert Pujols, jewelry, and a week spent at Camp Ondessonk, attendees will be able to bid on the Glenn Close package (it’s not really called that; I just made it up) which includes a meeting with Close and:

Travel and accommodations
Theater tickets
A tour of the set of Close’s hit television show Damages

If you’re wondering, “Who is Karla Smith? What is this organization that’s offering such awesome auction items?”, the Karla Smith Foundation website sums up its history and purpose best:

Karla Smith’s seven-year struggle with bipolar disorder began when she was 19. It culminated with her suicide at age 26. In her memory, the Smith family continues her commitment to help other families face these challenges.

Karla Smith Foundation, founded by Tom, her father, Fran, her mother, and Kevin, her twin brother, is an avenue to share family experiences which similarly impact thousands of others.

(Of course, you can learn more when you peruse the entire website.)

To my understanding, you have to attend the dinner auction to be able to bid, so it might not be the most convenient thing for those of you who don’t live near Illinois; but, if any of you do attend, be sure to stop back by and let us know how it goes!