Mennonite Country Auction raises big money

More than $120,000 for relief efforts around the country and the world was raised at the Mennonite Country Auction on Oct. 6 at the Menno Mennonite Church.

The auction kicked off at noon on Saturday, with a wide variety of items up for bid. Some of the items that the audience could take home included handmade quilts and wooden items, paintings, a BBQ fire pit, an antique cash register, a flat-screen television, tickets to the Washington vs. Oregon State college football game, toolboxes, toy tractors, a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban SLT and a 1985 “Anniversary Edition” Honda Goldwing 1200 motorcycle.

The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban SLT was the top-selling item according to Char Hardt, selling for some $7,000 at the auction. Other high-selling items included several quilts that sold for $2,000-$3,000 apiece. In all, $65,000 was raised just at the auction, with the other money coming from donations and sales at the various booths throughout the day.

Booths at the auction featured local and international crafts, jewelry from The Recycled Spoon, baked goods, produce and quilting supplies. Children were able to enjoy a bounce house as well as games and toys.

Food booths were also available for hungry auctiongoers, with food such as bacon, ham, sausage, Amish cheese, fresh-pressed apple cider and apple butter all available for patrons to take home and enjoy in the confines of their own home.

The Oregon-based Bethel Mountain Band provided entertainment for those in attendance, singing a blend of bluegrass and gospel harmonies.

This is the 41st annual sale and auction in Ritzville, and there are 42 other sales and auctions being held around the country for relief efforts. Quilts and other items were donated by people throughout the country.

Hardt noted that children had been collecting spare change during the church service the last four Sundays, and realized that they had raised over $4,000, which a representative from the Mennonite Central Committee said was enough for them to drill a new well.

“With that kind of generosity, you really feel good about it,” said Hardt.