The phones were ringing, and the Elks Lodge was buzzing with people, taking bids on over 200 items that had been donated by the community, all in the name of helping local groups succeed.
The 34th Elks Radio Auction took place on Nov. 1, starting at 3 p.m. Participants could tune into the Spur radio station, or stop by the hall to put bids on items of all sizes and valued.
After taking a bit of a break in organizing the event, the Radio Auction was back in full force over the weekend. Although a final number had yet to be tallied, Jim Turton, president of the St. Paul Elks, estimates that about $20,000 was raised.
The money gets divided up to worthwhile groups around St. Paul, such as the hospital, children’s and youth groups, and a list of other endeavors.
“The thing was awesome,” said Turton, early Monday morning, just a matter of hours after the event wrapped up late Sunday night. “I just felt good inside. People were giving and we could give back.”
Turton was one of the members behind the revitalization of what had previously been an annual staple in the community. The event had been held at different times of the year, and this year’s timing seems to be perfect, with many people overheard talking about starting their Christmas shopping by purchasing items at the auction, and not having to compete with any other large fundraising events in town.
Not only did the auction offer people the chance to big on items and help fundraise, but Turton says he noticed a lot of people visiting, and he describes the event as a “community gathering.”
Mixed in with the bidders and visitors were a huge group of volunteers. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the many helping hands that took time to collect items from local businesses in the weeks leading up to the auction, those who stayed all afternoon and night to answer phones as bids came in, and those who were on the floor helping take bids in person.
If ever there was a role or a hole to fill, someone stepped in, says Turton. Volunteers in attendance included many more people than just the Elks members.
And despite work still being done to wrap up this year’s auction, the president is already looking forward to next year, saying there will be a 35th auction in 2016 and the date will likely be similar to this year’s.
“It was fantastic. Outstanding. Any big word would cover it,” he says with a laugh.
