Gala Auction in Waynesboro features plenty of items

April 17, 2008|By JENNIFER FITCH

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - Spa packages, sporting event tickets and autographed memorabilia are among the items to be auctioned later this month to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The 27th annual Gala Auction in Waynesboro will be held at the Eagles Club. This year's theme, "Building a World Without Cancer," was chosen by Nathan Kauffman, a junior at Waynesboro Area Senior High School.

"Once we have the theme down, everything pretty much falls in place," said Jill Kessler, chairwoman of the event.

One of the first steps in bringing the auction together involves sending out five dozen volunteers to solicit donations, the vast majority of which come from previous donors, Kessler said.

She said approximately 125 items will be featured in the oral auction, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

Among the goods being auctioned are two quilts made by Waynesboro Area School District elementary children. One of those quilts has pieces of fabric that children identified as important to them, and it includes pieces of baby blankets and T-shirts.

"They go well because the parents are there and want a piece of their child's education," Kessler said.

Other key items in the catalog are an autographed Washington Capitals jersey and puck, two resort trips, Penn State University football tickets, and an oak chest made by WASHS senior Jake Rowland.

"People are very creative when it comes to donating things. The money goes to the (cancer society's county unit), so it stays local and helps with their programs," Kessler said.

In its history, the Gala Auction has raised about $1.5 million in the fight against cancer, she said.

About 300 people are expected to fill the second floor room at the Eagles Club, where food will be served.

"In this day and age, so many people have been affected by cancer. ... A cure needs to be found for all the cancers," Kessler said.

Gift certificates donated for the cause will be displayed along one wall of the room. The silent auction, which begins at 4 p.m., has about 200 items including afghans, baked goods, crafts, golf lessons, movie passes, Longaberger baskets and toys.

If you go

What: 27th annual Gala Auction benefiting the American Cancer Society

When: Sat., April 26, 4 p.m. silent auction, 5:30 p.m. oral auction

Where: Eagles Club, 22 E. Main St., Waynesboro, Pa.

For more information, go to www.acsauction.org.

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