The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual online and live auction event for 2015 is coming soon, with online bidding opening Sept. 2, a month ahead of the live auction event at the Rockport Opera House. 

Tthe "doors" will open to the auction online at biddingforgood.com/pbrccauction. All money raised supports the Chamber’s mission of promoting the interests of its members by advocating for the commercial and economic development of the region.

New this year, the Chamber will be combining the live auction and its monthly business after hours, and the combined event will be held Oct. 14 at the Rockport Opera House starting at 5 p.m. In addition to live auction items there will be cash raffle prizes, raffle items, drinks and munchies. Once again, Bruce and Becky Gamage will be the auctioneer team.

The online auction bidding will run from Sept. 2 through Oct. 5.

The live auction items will be identified on the website and absentee bidding will be available for those that cannot attend the live event.

Members of the public can participate by going to biddingforgood.com/pbrccauction.

Items up for bid include business services, artwork, unique experiences, travel, lodging packages, dining, recreational activities, gift baskets, train rides, boat trips, festival tickets, landscaping supplies and more. Everyone is welcome to browse, shop or just drop by and sign the guest book online.

Donations are being accepted from now through early September – simply log on to the site and click on the "Donate Now" button, or call the Rockland Chamber office with your donation at 596-0376, ext. 106 (Alicia Bagnall, alicia@penbaychamber.com). Users can also contribute to the auction by using the "Tell a Friend" button on the website.

For more information about getting involved, contact Alicia Bagnall, director of events at the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber, P.O. Box 508, One Park Drive, Rockland, ME 04841; 207-596-0376, ext. 106; or alicia@penbaychamber.com; penbaychamber.com.