By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–With another anonymous donation of $100,000 to start the afternoon off, the Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction raised a whopping $523,391 for the year. That’s the unofficial total, since it is likely to increase somewhat before the official total is announced when checks are distributed.
This is the fourth year that Helping Hand has received $100,000 on the last day of the auction from an anonymous donor and that brought today’s total to $131,363. .
This year was especially challenging, being interrupted by an ice and snow storm that paused the auction for a week and required some fancy rescheduling.
Today was Open to Anyone Day, which historically is a short day, but with rescheduled West Cancer Center, the Puryear community and Puryear School groups, it turned out to be a big day, with over 300 donations and a silent auction with 70 donated items.
On the last day, auctioneers take turns during the afternoon and this year auctioneers were Noel Hatman, Andy Collins, Amy Veazey, Wendy Barnhart, Darrin Thompson, and Jamie Orr. A good-sized crowd was in the audience at the Paris Convention Center and bids were high and often.
Two long-time volunteers who passed away last year–Junior Staggs and Kevin Buie–were honored today. Junior’s daughters and wife donated his Red Ball hats and Kevin’s favorite foods were donated during the afternoon.
Helping Hand officials thanked everyone who helped with the auction, including all the volunteers and donors over the past two months. Most agreed the last day is always a bittersweet one–everyone is exhausted but still sorry to see it end. Collins said, “On behalf of all the auctioneers we want to give a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly for the past two months. This is unlike anything else I’ve seen. Other communities have tried to replicate this but just can’t seem to pull it off and that’s a testament to Henry County and its people.”
Each year, thousands (and thousands) of dollars are raised for the Helping Hand Auction, which is then donated to over 90 local public service and non-profit organizations.
A small army of volunteers keeps the Auction going each year, as donations of baked goods, complete meals, homemade crafts, artwork and more unique items arrive from local groups, churches and individuals each day. The Helping Hand Radio Auction raises money one homemade pie at a time.
Photo: Long-time volunteer Joyce Bass at work helping to organize the donations this morning. Shannon McFarlin photo.