“If you build it, they will come”, that now famous line from the movie “Field of Dreams”, could have been the motto for this year’s service auction held on November 11^th.  Excitement was building during the weeks leading up to the auction and there was a buzz among the congregation as people awaited the night when they would be able to buy items.
     Questions of “Will Shirley Catherman be making those cookies again?”; “Is Mildred making a coconut cream pie?”; “Is anyone offering gift wrapping?”; “Is someone selling a dessert-a-month this year?” and more, were being asked on a regular basis.  It was fun to see the amazement at the number of items being offered for sale.
     Lincoln Chapel served 75 people for dinner on the night of the auction.  It was fun to see the amazement on faces as people spent time browsing through the tables of items.  After dinner our auction began with 85 people in attendance.  Col. Bob Vanatta did a wonderful job leading the group with some opening exercises – arm lifts – to make sure everyone’s arms were ready. 
     Bidding wars began as items were placed up for auction.  It was fun to watch Sonny Strickler and Del Richart compete for a coconut cream pie which eventually sold for $55.00.  A serious tone was set when a bag of Shirley Catherman’s cookies was displayed.  The beginning bid was $20.00 for a dozen as the eager buyer stated, “Let’s get down to business here, I bid $20.00.”  The happy bidder won those cookies at $27.50 per dozen. 
     The theme for the evening’s buying seemed to be food and there was lots of it being offered.  A pound of peanut brittle brought $25.00 and a quart of New England Clam Chowder brought $35.00.  An entertaining dinner with the Benfers cost buyers $51.00. 
     Food wasn’t the only items eagerly awaited.  Several buyers anxiously awaited the sale of a complete car cleaning, handmade Christmas tags, the wooden table made by Bill Kahl, and a Christmas tree.  Some of our buyers were so intent on their purchase, they refused to take their eyes off of our auctioneer in case they might miss the next bid.  Dawne Shreckengast was so intent on purchasing a quilted rug, it was thought that she didn’t even blink. 
     As the evening wound down around 10 p.m., satisfied yet tired bidders packed up their purchases and headed home.  Those cleaning up were in awe as a final total was shared of $4,066.50 to be used for missions. 
     We would like to thank:

• All those who donated items and services for the auction.
• All those who purchased items and services.
• Judy Pelter for helping to coordinate and plan.
• Sharon Lowry for spearheading the kitchen and kitchen help.
• All those who helped set up, serve and clean up during the auction.
• Col. Bob’s Auction Service – Bob Vanatta for the donation of his time to auction off our items.
• The friends of Lincoln Chapel who donated items – Jennifer Haines Stahl, David Benfer, Ann Mellinger, and Laura Ruckle.

Service Auction 2007
Return to:
Service Auction Gallery - Gallery - Home