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    A review of the MetroDolls Luncheon, Oct. 23, 2022 Archived Message

    Posted by Jackie_NJ on October 28, 2022, 11:00 pm

    MetroDolls Luncheon, Oct. 23, 2022

    Sunday was a grey and cloudy day, there was light rain on and off all day, but the brilliant fall foliage along the route made up for the lack of color in the sky. I started early for me, firstly stopping for some gas, ($3.99/gallon cash price, basically back to where it was), and steeled myself for a trip down the Garden State Parkway to Redbank, roughly 50 minutes south in the morning, more like an hour on the way home.

    I need not have worried, the trip went smoothly except for the exact entrance to the hotel, which confounded Google Maps to the extent that I crossed and recrossed the Navesink River a couple of times too many. It was OK, I arrived and to my immediate rescue appeared Bryan Marsee of MetroDolls, who graciously offered to schlep my two bags of goods upstairs. This was a huge help, because the parking lot was quite full, and I had to go over to an auxiliary lot.

    Firstly, MetroDolls' initial charity luncheon (which I attended) was way back in 2005, so they are as smooth, professional and well organized as can be. There were in the neighborhood of 80 attendees, and a fair number of new faces, which was lovely. Newbies make any event more exciting because they are excited just to be there. I think the auction left them breathless, but more on that later.

    The Oyster Point hotel was light and bright, and the entire staff were pleasant and welcoming. The lunch was excellent, and I can see why this location is a new tradition. The ballroom provides a splendid view over the river, and it's a pretty room, big enough for the various displays.

    The set up was as follows: one corner was the area for sales, interrupted by a balcony entrance to enjoy the view outside, and continuing down the window wall to the other corner, housing a display of 12 vintage garments worn by movie stars in a number of nautically themed movies. John Davey is the owner of about a 1500 piece collection, any any theme thrown at this fellow will produce an assortment of appropriate costumes to perfectly fit the bill. His presentation is always a highlight of the MetroDolls event.

    Continuing around the next wall were displays for a silent auction, and then for the live auction, continuing down the wall to a display of helper items, for which tickets could be purchased, and those items won. Everything else had to be purchased. At the next corner, the MetroDolls Sales tables began and continued down to the window wall. The entrance to the room was on that wall, so MetroDoll's sales flanked both sides of the entrance. My sales table was part of a group at that end of the room.

    I had a great day, sales wise. I think everyone did! I don't know the names of all the individual vendors, and I was busy, so I didn't catch them all. It was nice to be selling live. The presence of people just make everything so much better than online.

    The meal was good, attendees were offered a choice off chicken, beef or vegetarian meals. There were warm rolls, a salad course, the entree and a dessert of creme brule. And I don't know where the accent marks belong, so you will have to imagine them.

    The beneficiary of the charity part of the luncheon was Toys for Tots, sponsored by the United States Marine Corps, and there were a couple of Marines representing the Corps. I don't think they had any idea what to make of us doll collectors, but stoically, took it all in stride.
    MetroDolls raises money through the two auctions, and donates it to Toys for Tots. I think they raised over 10 grand, the exact figure eludes me, but it was substantial, and all to the good.
    The table centerpieces were a fabulous recreation of the jumpsuit, jacket and jewelry worn by Jane Russell in a scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, work by a D.A.E. Vivian doll. It was a lot of money. I was later told the centerpieces did indeed, sell out.

    Robert Tonner did a presentation, and he's such a genuinely nice human being, that it's always a pleasure. He's now making dolls for the Virtual Doll Convention and Side Show collectibles, and he's doing everything himself! No staff. Lots of emails. He's making some gorgeous dolls, so whatever he's doing is working well.

    The souvenir doll for the luncheon didn't make it in time, so we will be receiving them in the mail. So the photos looked good, but that's all that was available.

    The auctions were a trip. I love that part. A dayglow green card, printed on one side with a list of the auction items, and a plain back, on which you mark your registration number and raise the card when you have a bid. I tried to bid on a few items, but everything I wanted went over my budget. Ah, well. The newbies were entranced, and got right into the spirit of the affair. Back in the day, there were a few collectors with bottomless pockets, but time and tide has swept them away, so there was some lively bidding and good, but not outrageous pricing. This makes it easier for everyone. There was enough variety to have a chance at something, one way or another.

    On the way out, one William Perski. whom I last saw being pushed around in a stroller at the Gene Convention in Orlando in 2008, has grown into a tall and handsome teenager. He helped me on the way back to the car, and he is a delightful young man, and I appreciate his kindness.

    So, if I missed anything, or you have some questions, feel free to post. I'll do my best to answer them.

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