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ROB ALBRACHT BENEFIT AUCTION

BEACON, N.Y. -- The Cold Spring Antiques Dealers Association Inc. sponsored a

benefit auction for Rob Albracht at Absolute Auction Gallery on Main Street.

Rob and his fiancee, Joyce Lavin, have been in the antiques business for many

years, and until Rob was hospitalized with leukemia three months ago, the

couple operated Matteawan Trading Co. in Beacon.

Dealers, auctioneers, local businesses and friends donated merchandise.

Cortlandt Auctions, of Peekskill, N.Y, supplied the staff and auctioneer for

the night. The more than 100 people in attendance bid on over 200 lots of

antiques and goods and services.

Some of the items sold were a turn-of-the-century leaded glass lamp for $450;

a reproduction dragonfly leaded lamp for $225; a Mission round oak table for

$475; and a round Adirondack "Old Hickory" lamp table for $325.

Two Madame Alexander dolls in original boxes were a steal at $85, and over 20

oil paintings were donated and sold in the $25 to $300 range.

One of the highlights of the sale was a special guest appearance by

Tony-award-winning actor, writer, and comedian Harvey Fierstein, who donated

his famed five foot kangaroo, a stage prop from La Cage Aux Folles. Fierstein

entertained the audience with some jokes before introducing his kangaroo,

which sold to a Cold Spring, N.Y. dealer.

"The auction was very successful," said David Cooke, president of the CSADA.

"Everyone involved worked very hard to promote this auction and the antiques

business community really came through with donations. Rob and Joyce are

battling a serious disease with great courage. Our love and support go out to

them. We are asking anyone who wants to contribute to please send a check to

the Rob Albracht Benefit, 97 Main St., Cold Spring, N.Y. 10516.