Astro Auction continues cancer battle
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The auction takes place every morning from 8 to 10 a.m. in the auditorium of Caney Fork Electric. If you can’t be there in person, just tune in to WBMC 960 AM and bid on items by calling 474-9999.
“Donations are coming in wonderfully and we have great silent auction items,” said American Cancer Society volunteer Bettye Haston. “There’s so much thought and generosity that goes into our auction items.”
In addition to goodies baked and donated by members of the community, several homemade quilts and even a homemade doll are available at the silent auction. Other silent auction items include a gas grill, a bike, furniture and NASCAR memorabilia.
Organizers admit it will be tough matching last year’s total of $16,108, which beat the previous fund-raising record by almost $3,000. Monday’s donations were a bit sluggish with a total of $1,099. That’s down from the $1,724 which was raised on Monday in 2002.
Some volunteers speculated that June’s Relay for Life all-night cancer walk might snatch money away from the Astro Auction. That first-ever event generated over $65,000.
Haston didn’t tend to agree and said both events benefit the American Cancer Society anyway.
“I think it’s more of the older generation which calls in and bids here,” said Haston. “It was more kids who did the Relay for Life.”
The radio portion of the Astro Auction takes place the rest of this week only between 8 and 10 a.m. Silent auction items may be viewed from 7 a.m. to noon and from 5 to 6 p.m. today and Thursday. On Friday, items may be viewed from 7 a.m. until the auction ends at 10 a.m.
Merchandise is still being accepted for anyone who wishes to donate.
“This is such a fun time,” said Haston. “There are people who I don’t see but once a year and I see them here.”