• The Patagonia Community Garden is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of life through gardening. It provides participants with access to fresh fruit and vegetables and an outlet for social and community well-being. (Photo by Dave Lumia)
  • Anita Clovesko-Wharton’s Coconut Extravaganza was stuffed with blueberries and strawberries and decorated with flowers. It sold for $400. (Photo by Dave Lumia)
  • Bidder in the back! Photo by Robert Gay
  • Pies get appreciated before the auction gets underway by Charlene Gardner and volunteers Jan Herron and Joni Stellar. Photo by Robert Gay
  • Jac Heiss (left) and Krysa Kobryner provided entertainment for the Patagonia Pie Auction. (Photo by Dave Lumia)
  • Heather Dodge (left) and Jacqui Treinen, both of Patagonia, were all in on the garden theme donning hats reflecting the annual fund raiser. (Photo by Dave Lumia)

What does $460 get you?

A Sicilian Ricotta Pie.

The bidding war on Christina Wilhelm’s dessert was fast and furious last Saturday at the at the 21st annual Patagonia Community Garden (PCG) Pie Auction. Thirty-six pies were donated and 153 people enjoyed dinner under the sunflowers, some traveling from Tucson. An additional 30 individuals bought tickets for the opportunity to bid.

And bid they did, to the tune of $3,830. In addition to Wilhelm’s pie offering, Anita Clovesko-Wharton’s Coconut Extravaganza sold for $400. One bidder, who asked not to be identified, spent $970 on four pies. Pie sales started at $30.

“We’re thrilled at the huge show of support for the Patagonia Community Garden demonstrated by almost 200 people who attended,” said Mary Sky Schoolcraft, PCG board president. Not only was attendance higher than normal, so were the number of volunteers—20.

Monies raised through this event—more than $7,000 through pie and dinner sales, before expenses—are earmarked for projects including garden handicap accessibility, ongoing repairs, improved lighting and regular garden maintenance. A bathroom, added with volunteer time donated by the Patagonia town crew, was completed the day of the event.

“We see the garden as a wonderful resource for the community,” said Schoolcraft. “It is a safe sanctuary—a place to nourish body and spirit.”

Auctioneer for 21st annual pie event was Pat Chacon with music provided by Jac Heiss and Krysa Kobryner. Caterer Kim Moreno supplied the five-course enchilada dinner.

Oh, and if you’re wondering who would pay $460 for a pie? Christina’s husband, Fred  Wilhelm. 

Smart man.

To secure a plot at the Patagonia Community Garden for $5 a month, or become a member of the PCG board, contact Mary Sky Schoolcraft at maryskyschoolcraft@gmail.com