One cool gift: Bassoonist hopes to thank benefactors with trip to Arctic
By Maria Connor
Mar 10, 2010

Talk about "thinking outside the box": In an effort to raise funds for the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, bassoonist/oceanographer Dr. James Swift is offering a 38-day research trip to the Arctic Ocean on a Coast Guard icebreaker to thank the highest bidder.

The recent economic downturn has put the pinch on funding for many nonprofits, forcing organizations to look for new and enticing ways to raise money and keep donations coming in. In appreciation for a donation of $25,000 or more, Swift, a research oceanographer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will select one bidder to accompany him on a research trip to the Arctic.

"(The idea) came up in a meeting I had with Jim in early fall, but there were a lot of things that needed to be confirmed," said Diane Salisbury, executive director for the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus. "He's always looking for unique fundraising opportunities, and he came up with what I think is a completely new idea."

Salisbury is handling the bidding process, which starts at $15,000. Additional bids must be made in $1,000 increments, with the top amount being posted on the group's Web site each week. Bidding will remain open until March 22 or until a top bid of $25,000 is received. The donor need not be the research trip participant, but final acceptance of the candidate is up to Swift.

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