By Lee Roberts
TIAA Executive Director
“If you’re watching… I just waved at you,” said Louie Sirianni over the telephone to an elderly woman making a bid on an item during the 2009 Blazing Gavels auction, a fundraiser for public television.
 |
| Louie Sirianni takes a bid during the KLRN Blazing Gavels TV Auction June 6, 2009. Photos by Lee Roberts |
Sirianni was part of a Texas Independent Automotive Association contingent volunteering at KLRN’s 43rd Annual Great TV Auction at the station’s studio in San Antonio. The group also donated goods and services for auction benefitting the station.
“It’s all about giving back to the community,” said Wayne Van Den Berghe, president of the TIAA Alamo Chapter in San Antonio. “Our network of automotive and collision repair shops across the state of Texas appreciate people and families that use our services. So helping to keep educational programming available to viewers that find value in it is a great way for us to say thank you to our customers,” he said.
Sirianni said he enjoys working the phone banks during Blazing Gavels because of the worthwhile programming and because of the fun interaction with the KLRN staff and other volunteers.
 |
| Wayne Van Den Berghe works the phone banks during the auction supporting public television. |
“It’s so much fun,” Sirianni noted. “I love it… that’s it. To help out KLRN and help out TIAA, to just have a good time, that’s what it’s all about.”
KLRN officials said groups like TIAA and citizens that support public television graciously give of their resources and time every year because they believe in the cause. With shows like Sesame Street, Animalia and MotorWeek, the bottom line is everyone gains from the free programming, they said.
Blazing Gavels TV auction runs from June 3-12. For more information on how to donate or bid on items, go to www.blazinggavels.com.
The following TIAA members donated goods and services during the auction: Alamo Heights Garage, Awesome Lube, B&M Automotive, Carlisle Auto Air, Euro Car Care Inc., Foreign Specialists, G.M. Automotive Repair, Jordan Ford, Kayser’s Automotive Services, Lone Star Radiator Company, Schertz Auto Service, Sirianni Automotive Services, Thrash Automotive