By JORDAN MARSHALL

Staff Writer

Tech's chapter of American Society of Interior Design held a silent auction Dec. 7 at the house of Jody Brotherston. Brotherston is a former professor of architecture.

This year's auction raised $2,300, which is $1,100 more than what was raised last year, Olivia Grundmeyer, a senior interior design major, said.

The money raised from the auction went to the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team and to the Dixie Theatre, located at 212 N. Vienna St., Grundmeyer said.

DART received $750, and the Dixie Theatre was given $250 to help with renovation.

"[ASID's] main concern is to help in Ruston," Grundmeyer said.

ASID issued Kathy Ayo, director for DART, the check Jan. 29 in a ceremony where ASID presented the money to both recipients.

"[ASID] has been a large supporter of DART, and we greatly appreciate their help," Ayo said.

The auction was a cocktail dinner with 75 guests.

Some items sold at the auction included a Waterford paperweight, gift certificates, and a picture of the Clock Tower which was taken by a student.

Also among the items were a football signed by all of the Bulldog football players, a Christmas arrangement, a picture of the architecture department and other various collectables.

Grundmeyer had the idea to sell white roses for $10 and red roses for $20.

The purchase of a white rose included a gift worth $10, and the purchase of a red one included a gift of $20.

Grundmeyer said she was nominated by ASID to be the chairwoman for the auction because she works well with people.

"I was really nervous about the auction because I have never done anything like this, but my parents have been involved in auctions," Grundmeyer said.

"It was tough, but I had help, and I really enjoyed doing it.

"Everyone in the community was so eager to help out, and my biggest concern was that no one would want to donate."

Grundmeyer said she hopes to plan another fund raiser in the future.

Amber Richardson, a junior interior design major, said she is glad the money that was raised during the auction went to a good cause.

Richardson said, "It was a great benefit to help improve our city."