John,
To add to what Dean said it is our goal each year to sell all the items at the auction. If somehow we were able to sell some items remotely we would then have to bring them home, package them appropriately, and ship them. This would add work and expense to the process.
Anyone whose been to one of these events the last few years knows that Dean and I only solicit the donations, it's really our wives that get stuck doing the work. I will run your suggestion by the girls but I don't have a good feeling about the result.
