by Francis Ferry, NLN Beat Writer

June 2, 2011: Aurora, Colorado – Art fans from all over the Front Range decended upon Alexandre Poirier’s art gallery AuroBora as he played host to a new event for the Aurora community: Aurora Art Auction for Autism, or the “4A”.  The brainchild of Borealis President Michael Topham, in conjunction with Aurora 1B Poirier, 4A is in keeping with the philosophy of giving to the community that Topham has strived for and was the purpose of Poirier’s gallery.  “We hope to provide charities in the Greater Denver area with a source of funding for years to come.  Alex came to us with the idea and we thought it brilliant.  He also assured us that whether he is a member of the Borealis or not, as long as he has the gallery he will host this event benefiting the entire Aurora Community.” community: Aurora Art Auction for Autism, or the “4A”.

The event involved all members of the Aurora team, as each member created a piece of art that was then sold to the highest bidder.  Before the actual auction began the players were stationed about the gallery with their artwork for photographs, autographs and plain old conversation with the public.  “We were really overwhelmed by the turnout,” began Poirier.  “Many streamed in, looked around and then left, but when the auction began we had wall-to-wall people.  Next year we sell tickets!”

Held on a day off for the team after a disappointing home stand that saw the team lose 4 of 6 to Canton and Crystal Lake (after a promising sweep of Fargo), it gave all members of the organization a chance to relax and interact with the community in a non-baseball manner.  Amongst the individuals in attendance (aside from the players) were many members of the Golden Entertainment team: CFO Edward Castle and his brother Duane, Golden Press Secretary; Aurora GM William Topham; VP of Baseball Operations Chris Rodriguez and VP of Business Ulderico Alfero; and Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer.

Outside the gallery, the string quartet Front Range played, filling the air with peaceful tones as the crowd mingled about.  It was estimated that over $100,000 was earned for the Autism Society of Colorado.  Amongst the pieces that attracted the most attention was a work appropriately titled, “Touch the Northern Lights” by backup catcher Ernie Card.  “I’m thrilled to have attracted so much attention,” said the little-known catcher from Winnipeg.  “I knew I had to do something special to help out the kids.”

Bringing a huge round of applause and much laughter (and bidding) was a piece by Borealis strikeout ace George Thompson titled “Pat Lilly’s Swing”.  “Just a little friendly rivalry, that’s all,” Thompson said of the Bakersfield Slugger, who has a career .188 average against him.  “Don’t read too much into it.  It’s all for fun; all in the name of charity.”

An art show would not be an art show without something to chew on, and John Knight provided the audience with just that with his piece “I Am God”.  A straw poll of patrons suggests that Aaron Turner has the brightest future as an artist based on his work “Unnamed Woman at Night”.  Not all pieces were paintings.  Fan favorite Kijuro Kojima, or Ko-Ji-Ma as they chant at Northern Lights Park, stayed true to his heritage with a three dimensional piece called “Godzilla”.

Every silver cloud will have its dark lining, and this event was no different.  During the course of the evening the Tophams, Rodriguez and Alfero were seen huddled in a corner entrance to the AuroBora storerooms, seemingly in a heated argument.  This reporter personally saw the elder Topham holding his son back as a visibly angry Chris Rodriguez pointed a sharp finger at the youngster.  It is not the first time that the lone remaining Rodriguez involved in this franchise has been seen having words with the Tophams.  Reports from ballpark staff have suggested that infighting is nearly daily when both men are at the park, and it is no mystery that when a Topham enters the Owners Box, Rodriguez will leave.  It is believed that this relationship got off to a rocky start with Rodriguez’s words on Opening Night, and things got worse with his interview with Ray D. Enze prior to the writers disappearance. (Authors Note: There is still no word on Mr. Enze’s whereabouts.  Police have no leads)  He has been quite critical of moves the team has made, stating publicly, “They are ruining my team.”  On this evening, numerous patrons reported that they saw Ulderico Alfero wave some paper in front of Michael Topham whom, upon reading the paper, grabbed his son by the arm and quickly left the gallery, taking a confused Edward Castle with him.

As the last piece of art sold and Duane Castle (uncomfortably) ad libbed a closing in union with Poirier, a very successful 4A came to a close.  Many of the people in attendance were not aware of the dark side of the evening’s event.  Everyone left, filling the streets of Aurora with a buzz of excitement.  The Autism Society of Colorado left with a sizeable donation, and Alexandre Poirier was thrilled for everyone.  “What a wonderful evening.  I’m so proud of my teammates for the excellent work they did.  (Recently acquired) Héctor Pinto told me that he’d have something for me next year, even if he doesn’t resign with Aurora.  Bud Hoffmann sent me a congratulatory text wanting to know if others can get involved!   Can you imagine that?”

Yes, what has begun as a simple community project may just become a huge event in the future.  Alex, you’re right; you just might have to sell tickets next year.