Staff writer
Holy Family Parish’s 14th annual charity auction will open at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Pilsen Community Center.
The money raised is given to food banks and organized charities in the county, as well as families in need. To date, the auction has raised more than $104,000 for these purposes.
Committee member Kelly Krch said preparations for the event begin well beforehand.
“We usually start meeting about 2-3 months beforehand,” Krch said. “It’s getting so that we don’t need as much meeting time because we have people who have been doing this for years.”
This year, the auction will include sports memorabilia, quilts, football tickets, half hogs and beef quarters with processing, a smoker, gift baskets, locally made furniture, meat packages, and as always, home-baked goodies.
Kim Oborny has been on the committee 13 years.
“I think it’s a good thing, what we’re doing. I enjoy going out and talking to people and seeing what is needed,” Oborny said.
One memory that stands out in Oborny’s mind is the amount of money raised for a young family.
“We did a quilt rack one time for a family where the mother was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. We raised over $3,000 directly for them. The support we had was amazing,” Oborny said.
“We ask if anybody knows anyone in need, and we have a suggestion box. We also let people tell us individually,” Krch said.
There is no admission charge to get into the auction.
Last year 300 people came for the meal and more than 100 people bid on auction items.
The auction is not just for parish members. Anyone, regardless of church affiliation, can attend. Money raised is used to help those in need throughout the county.
“We welcome anyone and everyone. We do want to help people in our county,” Krch said.
Lunch will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and bidding will begin at 12:45 p.m. Some items will sold through silent bidding.
Krch said the meal, served by Pilsen Community Center, is typically roast beef, potatoes, vegetables, salads, and dessert.