Salem Mennonite holding 136th Thanksgiving Day Auction
Salem Mennonite Church in Kidron will hold its 136th Thanksgiving Day Auction this year. Shown here at last year’s event are Lyle Nussbaum, left, Larry Wald, Jeremy Yoh and Kevin Lehman.
Thanksgiving is a time to remember what we’re thankful for, and at Salem Mennonite Church in Kidron, it’s also a time to help those in need. This year the church will celebrate the 136th annual Thanksgiving Day Auction, a tradition that uplifts the community by providing support to others during challenging seasons.
This year’s auction proceeds will benefit three causes: For Every Girl, Dalton’s Play For All Playground Initiative and Dalton resident Rachel Baus.
Baus, diagnosed this summer with acute leukemia, is currently undergoing treatment. She and her husband Joey have four children attending Dalton schools. The funds raised will provide support for the Baus family during this difficult time.
For Every Girl, a nonprofit based in Orrville, partners with girls in Liberia who have faced abuse and gender-based violence. Led by Executive Director Michal Bowers, who once taught in Liberia, the organization aims to empower these young women to pursue their dreams and inspire change.
Dalton’s Play For All Playground Initiative is a fundraising effort led by local teachers and child advocates to create an accessible playground for both the school and the wider community. This project aspires to provide an inclusive space for children of all abilities to play and connect.
Brandon Gilbert, the auction’s chairperson, has been part of the event for over 12 years.
“It’s rewarding to work alongside others to create such positive results for our community,” Gilbert said. “It’s fun to display the items as they’re auctioned off, knowing they’ll make a difference in people’s lives.”
Community members are welcome to donate items to be auctioned and to attend as bidders. Donations have traditionally included baked goods, gift certificates, art, quilts, gift baskets, antiques and even furniture.
“Most items that are respectable and reasonable in size, new or in very good condition, are welcome,” Gilbert said.
The Thanksgiving service will begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by the auction at 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall of Salem Mennonite Church, 3363 Zuercher Road, Kidron. Breakfast pastries, fruit, juice and coffee will be available, courtesy of the Salem youth group, and craft activities will be set up for younger children.
One of the challenges in recent years has been replacing longtime auctioneer Pete Stauffer, who retired in 2018 after 57 years.
“Vern Yoder and other auctioneers graciously agreed to step in, and this will be the seventh year with our newer auctioneers,” Gilbert said.
Participants are reminded to pick up a bidder number at the fellowship hall entrance to join the bidding. Proceeds, made payable to Salem Mennonite Church, will be divided among the three beneficiaries. For those who wish to contribute but cannot attend, monetary donations are welcome and will be included in the Thanksgiving offering.
“This is a way to give thanks to God by showing love for others who can use the financial assistance,” Gilbert said.
The auction is not just a fundraising event, but also an opportunity for the community to come together and demonstrate gratitude by uplifting others.