By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–$519,630!
That’s the total raised for this year at the Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction. The Auction went into its last day Wednesday with $408,910 –which already was a record–and that amount quickly increased with an anonymous donation of $100,000 in the early afternoon.
The last day of the two-month auction is historically “Open To Anyone Day”, but this year the last day was an especially busy one, with 13 slates of items donated and auctioned off. Auctioneers Noel Hatman, Andy Collins, Jamie Orr, Darrin Thompson and David Jackson took turns at the mike this last day, with the Paris Lions Club manning the phones. Doug Taylor, who served as Auctioneer for the Saturday evening auctions, also was on hand. (Auctioneers Junior Staggs and Ray Compton could not be there today).
Each year, thousands (and thousands) of dollars are raised for the Helping Hand Auction, which is donated to over 80 local public service and non-profit organizations.
A small army of volunteers keeps the Auction going each year, as donations of baked goods, meals, homemade crafts, artwork and more arrive from local groups, churches and individuals each day. Raising money one homemade pie at a time.
In his closing remarks today, Darrin Thompson said, “How phenomenal is this, folks?”
David Jackson closed out the day, noting how “amazing” the people of Henry County and Helping Hand are. “What a fantastic year we’ve had in 2023. I know the auctioneers were so excited to return to normal, where we could have audiences here again. We just want to thank everyone who participated and volunteered. It’s been a great year.”
Photo: Auctioneer Darrin Thompson at the mike, with Paris Lions Club members manning the phones and volunteers taking bids. (Shannon McFarlin photo).