In 1955 several CKCO employees, who were members of the
KW Kinsmen club, were involved in a club meeting at
which time fund raising ideas were tossed on the table
for discussion. Program manager Bruce Lawson suggested a
live television auction as a means of making some quick
money and that germ of an idea became the engine for an
annual event that has spanned more than 50 years. The KW
Kinsmen TV auction is truly an unmatched television
success story.
The following month after the ground breaking meeting
the first live auction was held in the studios of the
fledgling television station. The goal was to raise
$2,800.00. It fell short by $300.00. However the
following year it took off and the Kinsmen realized
$1,500 more than the target figure they had set.
The event grew larger in the volume of items up for
auction, items that included new cars, motorcycles, cute
little puppies that created much interest, even a newly
constructed home. Viewers also bid on household
appliances and smaller items that were crammed in a
studio display. The results were two-fold. Not only
could viewers see the items they were bidding on, they
also became part of the show through the the banks of
telephones manned by Kinsmen volunteers.
Today, the KW Kinsmen auction has been recognized as one
of the longest running shows of its kind in the history
of television. Bill Inkol has set a longevity record by
hosting the show for 44 years in a row.
Over the years, dating back to the initial special event
in 1955, KW Kinsmen have managed to raise over two and a
quarter million dollars for their principal charitable
work with the mentally challenged.
Did anyone imagine that such a simple idea would defy a
brand new medium's laws of longevity and creativity,
where highly successful programs lasted for only 4 or 5
years? Not likely.
In the end, the KW Kinsmen club continues to fund its
worthwhile projects thanks to an idea that doesn't show
its age and keeps on giving while it continues to
flourish.
submitted by Bill Inkol
