RMC Spring Auction

Preview items at rmc.betterworld.org.

Trail signs are an iconic part of the hiking experience. It can be  easy to take them for granted, especially on trails we are familiar  with. However, for those who have gotten turned around, or find  themselves rapidly descending from the alpine zone in bad weather, these  simple signs can bring about an overwhelming sense of relief. Have you  ever found yourself taking a break at an intersection wondering how they  get there, or how many hikers they have guided over the years?

Over  time, trail signs will become weathered, obtain dramatic scars from ice  storms, or be otherwise damaged. Others are rendered obsolete due to  trail reconstruction. When this occurs, volunteers begin the process of  creating replacements. Every step from sourcing the right wood to  carefully stenciling and routing the letters leaves little room for  error. When the signs are finally painted and drilled, they are hiked  out to their designated intersections, and installed for many years of  service. The old signs they are replacing are hiked down and brought to  the Randolph Mountain Club workshop.

The Randolph Mountain Club  sign auction is a great opportunity to support the efforts of the club  and our trails and shelters. Beyond that, it is your chance to take home  a piece of history. For the nostalgic hiker or outdoor enthusiast,  there is no finer gift.

Many thanks to John Phinney and Carl Herz for photographing and providing descriptions for the trail signs.

Our trail signs and memorabilia  are priceless. But our auction isn’t free…

We haven’t listed dollar values for our auction items because they’re worth what you think they are. The trail signs in particular may remind you of a special summer, bring back happy memories of your favorite trail, or hiking with your favorite people. But there are costs associated with running an auction, and you can help the RMC with these.

The RMC has partnered with BetterWorld as our auction platform. BetterWorld is specifically focused on fundraising for nonprofits, and returns 100% of donations to the RMC.

Other online marketplaces, like eBay, take up to 25% of each transaction amount. BetterWorld also does not sell donor data; your information is kept entirely secure. But there are costs associated with running the auction—security, support, web hosting and maintenance—that BetterWorld incurs. Auction bidders will be given the option to make a small contribution to defray these, enabling the club to receive the full bid amount. Additionally, you’re likely aware of processing fees (2.9% + 0.30) that credit cards charge the RMC for each transaction. You can help by adding this fee to your bid.

When you bid on an item, you’ll see options to help with these costs if you so choose.

We hope you’ll participate in this year’s auction, as a fun way to repurpose treasured mementos of our times on the trails while raising needed funds for the Randolph Mountain Club! Happy Spring and happy bidding!