By Jordyn Holcomb

news@americanpress.com

Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana is a non-profit organization that has focused on the conservation of Louisiana’s marine resources since 1983. From artificial reefs to floating islands, to their TAG Louisiana program, CCA Louisiana has been vital in preserving the state’s coasts and coastal resources.

Due to Gov. John Bel Edwards’s stay-at-home order, CCA Louisiana is utilizing technology and social media to continue its scheduled auctions while also adhering to the directive.

CCA Louisiana will be hosting its statewide Toast the Coast Virtual Live Auction 8-9 p.m. tonight, April 16, on Facebook Live.

“We have been using online platforms to host silent auctions, but this is our first attempt at a virtual live auction,” Nolan Reynerson, chapter development director, said.

Reynerson said when he ran the idea past Charlie Willis, CCA Louisiana’s main auctioneer for 37 years, Willis was “all in.”

“We did a test run, and with a little technical support, he (Willis) was in front of an iPad with AirPods in like a streaming pro,” Reynerson said.

Some of the items up for auction, donated by the group’s members and partners, include CCA edition rods and reels, a Napa Valley vacation and fishing trips in Louisiana and Alaska. A silent auction will also be taking place at ToastTheCoast.givesmart.com where raffle tickets can also be purchased for various items.

Viewers can bid by commenting on the Facebook Live Stream. Three people will be monitoring the bids, Reynerson said.

“I’m sure there will be some mess-ups since this is our first attempt, but we ask that our donors bear with us and have a little fun.”

CCA Louisiana will be posting food and drink recipes throughout the week on their Facebook page.

Reynerson also encourages particpants to “cook some wild-caught fish out of their freezer, fix a drink in their favorite CCA cup and enjoy the evening with us.”

To participate in the Facebook Live auction and to find out more about CCA Louisiana, visit the “CCA Louisiana” Facebook page or their website at www.ccalouisiana.com. The auction is open to all Louisiana residents.