Auction raises funds for Boys & Girls Clubs

The reasons people attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri auction were many. Some came for the opportunity to bid on amazing items. Others came for the food. Still others came simply to socialize.

But they all agreed the reason behind the glamorous evening was the real reason they attended — to raise money for an organization that offers a safe haven for the school children of Sedalia and the surrounding area.

About 300 people attended An Evening of Heart and Hope on Friday night at the Missouri Cooperatives Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Attendees enjoyed hors’ d oeuvres, beverages and a catered meal. The event is the club’s 20th annual fundraising auction.

The event featured a silent auction, live auction and a chance to win a car, two Harley Davidson motorcycles or $50,000. Other prizes include a half-side of homegrown beef or an iPod Touch.

The crowd gathered around tables filled with silent auction items including a Miche handbag, a three-piece rug set and a variety of artwork. One of the more popular items up for bid was a Liftmaster garage door opener. A Tulip House quilt garnered dozens of bids as well.

Sedalia resident Holly Thomlinson has been attending the event for more than five years and has served on the event committee.

“I’ve been involved with this for years,” she said.

Thomlinson said she was enjoying the evening and had placed several bids in the silent auction. Thomlinson said she is a huge supporter of the club and the programs they offer students.

“The Boys & Girls Club is a great program,” she said. “There are so many kids who will be better off because they do wonders for kids.”

While Thomlinson was having fun bidding and visiting with friends, she said the best part of the evening is the money raised for the club.

Retired teacher Ruth Dale said she came to socialize and support the club that had such a wonderful effect on the students she once taught.

“The club is great,” she said.

Dale said she was impressed by the job Brett Barth-Fagan, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri, has done planning the event over the years.

“He (Barth-Fagan) adds something to the event each year to make it more fun,” she said.

Attendees also had the opportunity to vote for the person who would receive the Pink Flamingo Award, an award bestowed on a person who has shown exceptional dedication and service to the community.

Nominees for the 2010 Pink Flamingo Award were Pam Allan, Cara Canon, John “Jack” McIntosh, Mary McLaughlin and Elle Wasson. In previous years, the highest bidder at the auction got the opportunity to choose the winner of the Pink Flamingo Award. However, this year the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri opened up the nomination process and accepted nominations for the award. People had the opportunity to vote via Facebook or on the club’s Web site.

At the event, attendees could also make donations, which counted as votes, for the person they believed deserved the honor.

Canon, ProEnergy Services Director of Marketing, won the award.

Barth-Fagan said he was extremely pleased with the turnout for the event.

“It is amazing,” he said.