The first Appraisal Day event at Haig's of Rochester -- benefiting Hold the elevator! -- on Aug. 27, 2005 was a huge success. The event raised $900 to help preserve the historic grain elevator in downtown Rochester.

More than 55 people visited the store during the event for verbal appraisals on jewelry and Asian antiques and art. Haig's generously donated the entire $5 appraisal fee to benefit the Hold the elevator! campaign.

In addition, Rochester-Avon Historical Society members staffed a Hold the elevator! campaign table outside the store, selling T-shirts and distributing brochures to appraisal customers and passersby.

Many thanks to Paul Haig and fellow appraisers David Pepper, Mary Jo Allen and Claire Dettloff, as well as Tiffany Dziurman Stozicki and other Haig's of Rochester staff, for their generosity and hard work in putting on this event.