Options. That’s right, options. But not the kind you trade on Wall Street—I’m talking about options available for auctions—the fast-moving, global marketplace where items change hands, treasures are discovered, and history is preserved.
Auctions have become a significant part of my life. They aren’t just about buying and selling—they’re about understanding value, preserving history, and in my case, giving back.
With today’s technology, I can bid on an auction in Egypt in the morning, one in Australia in the afternoon, and another in New York by evening—all while dealing in different currencies and different time zones. The auction world is vast, and the ability to find, acquire, and preserve valuable items is something that has fascinated me for years.
A Collector at Heart
I’ll admit it—I’m a collector. Some might say a hoarder—but only of nice things. Over the years, I’ve built collections that could be museum-worthy, including:
- A significant collection of Confederate currency
- One of the most extensive private collections of antique writing instruments, ink wells, and historical documents
- A growing collection of fine cut glass, thanks to my brother-in-law, a retired plastic surgeon and antique enthusiast
I’m working on displaying my writing history collection at a museum in Houston, with hopes of sending it to other major cities so people can experience how writing has evolved over the ages.
But my involvement in auctions isn’t just about collecting—it’s about purpose.
The Helm Foundation & Auctions as a Means to Give Back
A few years ago, I founded The Helm Foundation, a private family foundation dedicated to scholarships, charitable giving, and supporting meaningful organizations.
One of the most effective ways I’ve been able to fund this mission is through auctions.
I buy high-quality items at a fraction of their true value, then donate them to the foundation, which sells them at market value—often at two, three, or even four times what I originally paid. This model allows the foundation to generate funds while preserving and passing along valuable pieces of history.
For example:
- If I purchase an item for $50, with an additional $20 in shipping, I donate it to the foundation for that $70 cost.
- The foundation sells it for $200, $300, or even more.
- The proceeds go directly to fund scholarships, charities, and community initiatives.
This process has been in full swing for the past couple of years. So far, I’ve purchased over 7,000 auction lots, many of which contain multiple items. Now, it’s time to start selling them for the greater good.
Will this collection-building lead to my divorce? Maybe. But it’s all for a great cause.
Learning the Art of Auctions
There’s an art to participating in auctions:
- Sometimes you hit the jackpot. You find an undervalued item, win the bid, and end up with something priceless.
- Sometimes you get junk. But even junk has its place—one man’s trash is another man’s flea market find (treasure).
- Sometimes you learn a hard lesson. Not everything is as it seems in online auctions. I’ve been burned, but I’ve also made incredible finds.
Thankfully, I have a great office manager who has gone from working in real estate to becoming an auction expert. She now recognizes the value in what we buy and helps ensure we get the most out of our acquisitions.
I get a special kind of satisfaction when I tell her, “See that $50 item I bought? It’s worth $500. We can sell it for $300 and still make a great return for The Foundation.” That’s how this system works—one purchase at a time, one auction at a time, one life at a time.
Why Auctions Matter
Auctions aren’t just about stuff—they’re about understanding value. And that applies to more than just antiques.
- Recognizing the value in history—preserving pieces of the past for future generations.
- Recognizing the value in people—investing in relationships and giving back to the community.
- Recognizing the value in good deeds—understanding that generosity, when done right, can create long-term impact.
For me, auctions have become a tool—a way to preserve history, support charity, and create a sustainable model for giving back.
I’m slowing down on the buying now—not because I want to, but because I’ve run out of space! Thank God for this office building in Houston, where I can store the overflow. But as the selling process begins, I’ll keep you updated on how it all unfolds.
If you’ve ever been curious about auctions—how they work, how to find hidden gems, or even how to use them for charity—stick around. I’ll have more Marc’s Musings on the subject as we move forward.
Until then, happy bidding.
—H. Marc Helm
