Giving Back
(CON TI N U ED)
For the American Heart Association’s Go for the Red, these salesmen recently raked in a million dollars, selling trips, dinners with chefs and many things fun and dynamic. The crowds, often dressed to the nines, stand ready to donate tens, hundreds, thousands. “In April, we raised close to $400,000 for Children’s Place,” George says. He starts out the bidding with “Wha’cha gonna give? How much ya gonna give? Will you give me 50?” While George takes the mic, ringmen David, Toby, Ron and Ben scan the crowd for interest. A raised hand, subtle nod or finger salute signals the bidding has begun. With brisk banter and lightning-quick offers, the Nigros sell their first item and get the show rolling. When they are not rustling donations, you can find them at their Nigro's Western Stores on Shawnee Mission Parkway and Merriam Lane. Their father, Tony Nigro Sr., opened the original Nigro’s Western Store in 1956. He also operated a horse and cattle auction in Linwood, Kansas. While taking a course at the Missouri Auction School, Tony brought home his study guide, and George got roped in, too. At age 12, he started learning the cattle rattle, a smooth song which pitches the price and ups the ask harmoniously. The Nigro brothers conducted their first auction at their high school in Shawnee (now Saint Thomas Aquinas). They learned early how to boost bets and raise eyebrows with their cajoling approach. “We try to make it fun for everyone. We want to get your attention, get your money and give it to charity,” George says. They worked for free that first night and have never asked for a raise. “If it’s for a good cause, we can’t turn anybody down,” George says. “And when you’re free, people love you!” On a rare slow night, George sweet talks the cautious crowd. “Come on folks; it’s only money! And it’s for the kids!” Check out these big-hearted buckaroos on Facebook at Nigro Brothers Charity Auctioneers.
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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2017