Greensburg Daily News, Greensburg, IN

News

Related Photos

  • Lizette Bell spent the early-going of Friday’s United Fund “Fiesta Night” showcasing many of the auction items, such as the vintage wine bottle seen here. Bell also served on the auction’s Acquisition Committee and is a 2012 campaign co-chair.

    1 united fund 1.jpg
November 5, 2012

United Fund hosts fiesta of fun

Organization nears donation goal

Brent Brown Greensburg Daily News

Greensburg — Greensburg’s Knights of Columbus Hall took on a Latin American look and feel for Friday night’s annual United Fund auction.

And though the colorful theme added much to the festive fiesta on hand, there was one color above all in abundance: green.

According to United Fund Executive Director Joane Cunningham, the fund-raiser brought in approximately $64,000 for the local non-profit, helping it greatly on its way toward an annual goal of $330,000. That total, which was just an estimate by press time Monday, was up about $4,000 over last year’s final tally.

At this point, the United Fund is about 76 percent of the way toward reaching that goal, noted Cunningham Monday.

Helping significantly in that venture was a lively crowd that flooded the Knights of Columbus Hall, bidding on nearly four dozen items in the silent auction and more than 70 in the humorously raucous live auction.

A trio of auctioneers (Dave Giddings, Steve Fortner and Aaron Gault) rattled off prices as guests, many of whom were bedecked in suitably Spanish or Mexican attire, bid on virtually everything from sports memorabilia to family vacations. Rick Nobbe donned a sombrero and served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

The wide-ranging pieces and event tickets up for bids during the auction were donated by area businesses or families.

Throughout the night, the festive group attempted to outbid others for a Kindle Fire, a year of car washes, an autographed photo of Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto, a wine and cheese tasting party, tickets to the 2013 Brickyard 400, a zipline adventure, a 47-inch Vizio high definition television and many more.

Those looking to bid in a less boisterous fashion lined up for chances at a Buffalo Wings and Rings date night, a canine vaccination package, Tupperware, a huge American flag (donated by Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence), a trip to Wyaloosing Creek Golf Course and a Craftsman tool bag that would likely be the envy of any would-be handyperson during the silent auction.

The Fiesta Night itself followed a catered dinner by Lil’ Charlie’s that reflected the theme of the evening.

“Fiesta chicken” joined red potatoes, green beans, salad and a variety of other fine-dining items on the plates of many.

And though the evening was intended to be an enjoyable, lighthearted affair, the real purpose certainly wasn’t lost in the process.

Many of the items sold at the auction did so at costs far higher than what they might have garnered at retail, further showing how parting with extra cash for the greater good of the event helped further the goal of the United Fund.

It was appreciated by Cunningham as well.

“We had a full house, a great crowd, and they were very receptive,” said the Executive Director. “We appreciate everyone coming out and giving us that support, getting us that much closer to reaching our goal.”

Those wishing to add to the Decatur County United Fund’s tally may do so simply by sending a check to 108 South Broadway, Suite 1, Greensburg, IN 47240. Donations can also be made via one’s computer or tablet by going to www.dcuf.com and clicking the “donate” button.

“No amount is too small or too large and every little bit helps,” added Cunningham.

The myriad sponsors and those who donated were assisted by Coach Stacy Meyer and the Greensburg Community High School basketball team, who set-up the event. That crew’s North Decatur counterparts and coach, Kyle Nobbe, helped with clean-up.

Those with a “sweet tooth” also found plenty to like about Friday’s auction, which included cookies and cakes. A pumpkin-toffee cheesecake offered by Kristy Lowe sold for $300.



Contact: Brent Brown 812-663-3111 x7056

 

Text Only
News
Featured Ads
AP Video
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.