Holmes County Home preps for 51st benefit auction
The Holmes County Home Auction will boast some big items like a barn, e-bikes, riding mowers and more, as well as plenty of Amish hand-crafted furniture, quilts and many smaller items.
When something is working, it’s sometimes better to simply let it continue to run its course.
For the Holmes County Home Benefit Auction committee, that is the thinking as the 51st annual benefit auction approaches Sept. 16-17.
“Let’s put it on auto-play and repeat,” committee member Aden Hershberger said.
There are plenty of reasons to keep things the same, but as it does any year, there are some new additions and changes to the venue that raises funds to help the Holmes County Home operate.
“This is our big one,” said Deb Miller, Holmes County Home executive director. “We know a lot of people put this on their calendar, and some out-of-towners make a weekend getaway around this event.”
While the bidders end up providing the income with their purchases, it is the kindness of area businesses and individuals who make this auction a reality, donating countless items from large to small.
“We are grateful to all the businesses and individuals who pitch in to help make this event a success each year,” said Roman Miller, auction coordinator.
The fun will officially kick off the evening of Friday, Sept. 16 when the Holmes County Home grounds will be lit up with portable lights that shine on hundreds of volleyball players as they play well into the night. There will be a bake sale from 5-8 p.m., and there will be plenty to eat including a fish fry, kettle stew, fry pies, soft pretzels and homemade ice cream.
The volleyball action draws a crowd. The tournament will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Any teams wishing to participate in the volleyball tournament may call or text Roman Miller at 234-301-7432.
“That volleyball tournament is something to see,” Roman Miller said. “It’s great competition, and they have a blast, and the crowd that comes to watch is huge. It’s really a fun and relaxing night.”
Roman Miller said another benefit of the evening is it gives people a chance to stop by and check out all the merchandise that will hit the auction block the next day.
“We get a lot of people who take advantage of that night to see what’s available,” he said.
Auction day on Saturday, Sept. 17 will kick off at 7 a.m. with a full-course breakfast that has to be seen to believe.
“What a great way to kick off the day,” Hershberger said of the breakfast that is by donation.
At 8 a.m. the bake sale will begin, along with a silent auction that will operate from 8-11 a.m., and the lunch line will open at 10 a.m. with a menu consisting of barbecued chicken, sausage, baked beans, hot dogs, potato salad, fruit, pie, homemade ice cream and more.
There will be several auctions going throughout the day, with the miscellaneous and furniture auction starting at 8:30 a.m. A second miscellaneous auction will begin at a second location at 9:30 a.m., with specialty items going up for bid at 12:30 p.m. Close to four-dozen hand-made quilts will become the center of the bidding world’s attention at 1 p.m., and at 1:30 p.m. the lawn furniture will hit the auction block, followed by barns, buggies and other bigger ticket items.
“We’ve got a wonderful list of items for the auction,” Roman Miller said.
One of the more intriguing items at the auction is a 32-by-48-by-10-foot building with a 6-foot overhang, complete with a metal roof and sliding doors. It will be built onsite for the high bid.
There also will be a 14-by-20-foot timber frame pavilion with concrete with a metal roof, also built onsite of the buyer.
There will be beef, pork and lamb sold by the cooler; a 56-inch rustic hickory deluxe rolltop desk; an oak deluxe sewing cabinet with a serger lift; a five-piece brown maple bedroom set; a five-piece cherry king bedroom set; a quarter-sawn white oak secretary desk with hutch; barrel tables; an oak table with Shaker legs and two leaves; six oak chairs with a buffet; live edge tables; an open buggy; a Magnum Navigator e-bike; a Milano-Plus e-bike; and a new riding mower.
There is plenty of other merchandise up for auction including outdoor furniture, equipment, home décor, gift certificates and more.
The secondary auction will include all types of items, and according to Hershberger, “You never know what might show up at that auction. You can find some great deals there.”
The kids auction will take place at 2 p.m., allowing kids to bid on some items with their parents’ supervision, and some can even take a crack at becoming a young auctioneer during the event.
“We are fortunate we have wonderful staff so we can continue to provide the care we are known for,” Deb Miller said. “Our goal is to keep providing our residents with the very best care in a home-like, family environment, and this auction is critical to us being able to do that.”
Miller said the home weathered the COVID storm and is gearing up toward bringing in more residents. She praised the auction committee and the Holmes County Home Auxiliary for working closely to raise funds through the auction. She said they like having fun, but they realize the goal of building relationships and raising money for the home comes first.
“The auction is a lot of work and is almost a year-round thing, but it is worth it,” Miller said. “Our committee members have their own lives, but they are willing to put the time and effort into supporting the cause.”
The funds raised by the auction continue to create a better life for the residents and staff. Recent projects have included a complete dining room remodel, resurfacing the patio to make it safer, buying nursing equipment and new bed mattresses, and purchasing birthday and Christmas gifts for the residents.
She said this year could include remodeling the day rooms, upgrading the upstairs bathrooms and creating a media room for the residents.
“We are learning that a lot of our residents are now more tech savvy, so we thought about making a room they can utilize those skills,” Miller said.