Navy Band Leads Auction for NMCRS

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Band held a the Navy Band Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Silent Auction at the Washington Navy Yard Town Center in Washington, D.C., April 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event included entertainment from The Skipjack Trio, a unit of Navy Band musicians, whose performance was free and open to the public.

A variety of items were auctioned including entertainment, lessons, services, food and beverages and even products. Some of the items included were a dinner sailing cruise on the Chesapeake Bay, skiing lessons, music lessons, yo-yo lessons, a family photo portrait and dog training by a professional.

Chief Musician Trent Turner, who led the auction, set the bar high for the donation goal.

"I know that the economic situation has touched nearly everyone in one way or the other, and, in my opinion, this is all the more reason for people to come out and join in the auction," said Turner.

Since Turner took over the campaign several years ago, donations have increased from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, due in large part to the silent auction.

The auction May 20 raised over $4,500 for the NMCRS, which has impacted the lives of Sailors and Marines for more than 100 years. NMCRS is a private, non-profit organization sponsored by the Department of the Navy with more than 250 locations worldwide.

In addition to offering interest-free loans, grants and scholarships, NMCRS also provides visiting nurse services, "seabags" for infants, thrift shops, budget counseling and food lockers in some locations.

For more news from U.S. Navy Band, visit www.navy.mil/local/nb/.