Partners Auction

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Partners Auction was a unique blend of live telethon and auction that raised money for a local non-profit organization that matched disadvantaged youth in Wake County with caring adults.

The annual Partners Auction provided a high-energy, rapid-fire broadcast that enticed viewers to bid on items ranging from boats to blenders to a rotor blade from SKY 5. You name it; it was there. If you can imagine a blend of QVC and eBay with WRAL personalities coaxing viewers to call in a bid—that was the Partners Auction!

WRAL-TV converted the Kerr Scott building at the State Fairgrounds into a large studio for each year’s auction. A phone bank was staffed with volunteers to field the many bids from viewers. Members of WRAL’s on-air staff took turns “auctioning” the items and asking for donations.

The Partners organization received the bulk of its yearly operating funds from the auction. Local businesses graciously donated goods and services to be featured on the live televised auction.

WRAL-TV first began producing the Partners Auction in the late 1970’s when Fred Barber was the station’s General Manager. The auctions continued annually under the leadership of GM John Greene until the last broadcast in 1989.

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Highlights for Partners Auction

Partners Auction set

A wide shot of the 1983 Partners Auction to be broadcast on WRAL-TV
Partners Auction

Bob DeBardelaben helping with the Partners Auction
Partners Auction 1983

Charlie Gaddy interviews NCSU basketball coach Jim Valvano during 1983 Partners Auction for charity. Valvano was always eager to help the station with charity efforts.
Staff at work at Partners Auction

WRAL-TV staffers Cindy Sink and Kevin Duffus during production of 1983 Partners Auction.
Fun at the Partners Auction

WRAL-TV anchors John Hudson and Ann Devlin have fun at the 1983 Partners Auction

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Partners Auction

Highlights for Partners Auction

Partners Auction set

Partners Auction

Partners Auction 1983

Staff at work at Partners Auction

Fun at the Partners Auction