Holmes County Red Cross Chapter to hold benefit auction

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • June 16, 2011
  • 284
                        
Summary: The Holmes County Chapter American Red Cross invites you to the 18th annual Disaster Services Benefit Auction on June 25 at Mt. Hope. Community support and the tireless efforts of dozens of volunteers have made this event the biggest fundraiser for the chapter over the years. The 18th Annual Holmes County Chapter American Red Cross Disaster Services Benefit Auction will be held June 25 at the Mt. Hope Auction Barn at 8076 SR 241 in Mt. Hope. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised at the annual auction will be used for the Disaster Service Program in Holmes County. Patricia and Larry Lang of Big Prairie have served as executive directors of the Holmes County American Red Cross for the past 18 years. Larry came up with the idea for a benefit auction 18 years ago when he served as Holmes County American Red Cross chairman. The inaugural auction brought in $2,000 and has grown considerably over the years. Last year’s auction brought in $42,000 which was slightly less than the previous year. “Years and years ago the Red Cross did a lot of door to door campaigns but that fizzled out when more people had to go to work,” said Patricia Lang. “We knew people liked auctions and believed it would be a great way to raise money for those in need in Holmes County. Our goal is to make $37,000 to $42,000 this year.” The annual auction is the largest fundraising effort held by the chapter. Because the chapter receives no state or federal funding, they rely on community support to be able to continue providing the services the region has come to expect. “The past year has been very trying for the Red Cross,” said Lang. “We had a lot of fires and then the ice storm and snow. We had to set up shelters and then more snow came and then the flooding. We are still above water but that is because we’ve had so much support from local people and businesses.” The event begins with a community breakfast served at 7a.m. A bake sale begins at 8a.m. and will feature baked goods donated by members of the community. The main auction events begin promptly at 9a.m. and will include various miscellaneous items like batteries, jewelry, horse blankets and quilts. “This auction will feature a little bit of everything,” said Lang. “We were in Mt. Hope this morning picking up quilts that have been donated.” The outdoor furniture auction begins at 10a.m. and features much more than just furniture. “We will have hanging baskets, play sets, picnic tables and even a swing set,” said Lang. “If it has to do with the outdoors, you’ll probably find it at the auction.” The furniture auction begins at 11a.m. and includes tables, chairs, stands, beds, and various pieces of oak, cherry and walnut furniture. “We are so fortunate to have so many volunteers assisting with this event,” said Lang. “We have 4-5 dozen people helping with cleaning, picking up items, cooking, tending to the bake sale and a multitude of others helping with things.” The Holmes County Chapter American Red Cross provides relief to victims of natural and man-made disasters. If somebody loses their home to a fire, flood or other disaster the Red Cross comes to help those with immediate needs. The chapter helps fulfill clothing and prescription needs in the event of loss from disaster. The chapter can even replace prescription glasses. “Most people have hobbies,” said Lang. “We don’t golf and we don’t bowl. We have the Red Cross. We work seven days a week, 365 days a year at Red Cross. We want to see it thrive in Holmes County and we will be here as long as we are able. We love who we serve. Anyone that visits the area can see that the people of Holmes County are special, that is why they come back and keep supporting us.” According to Lang; people from 13 states and two families from Canada return to the auction each year to support the event. “They plan their vacations around this event,” said Lang. “They come back year after year and we appreciate that.” The Holmes County American Red Cross also offers summer swimming lessons, lifeguard training and first aid training. Contact the Holmes County American Red Cross office for questions or donations at 330-674-5861.


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