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PORTLAND, Ore. — Brasher's Portland Auto Auction commemorated its 17th anniversary last week with a special sales event that was slated to include more than 1,200 units from such consignors as Volkswagen Credit and Audi Financial Services, Wachovia, Reliable Credit, Santander Consumer, Columbia Credit Union, US Bank and PHH.

Several prize giveaways, free lunch and birthday cake were also offered.

"As we head into the spring market, the optimism in the auction lanes is infectious and vehicles from all segments are selling well," Jerry Hinton, the auction's general manager, said prior to the event. "With a great sale-day lineup and plenty of opportunities to win cash and prizes, we're looking forward to a terrific day at the auction on the 18th."

Dealers who bought or sold units at Brasher's Portland Auto Auction between March 4 and the day of the anniversary sale were given auction "cash," Hinton noted.

They could put this toward the Anniversary Fun Auction — which featured $5,000 worth of prizes and electronics — at the conclusion of the vehicle sale.

Additionally, there was $10,000 in auction in consignor cash given out during the sale.