22nd annual Wreath Auction December 7

ou are invited to participate in the 22nd annual Wreath Auction. December 7th 2019.

At a Whitehall Saddle Club meeting on 1989, after a long year of Barrel Races, O-Mok-See's, Horse Shows, and Rodeos a group of Whitehall Saddle Club members thought a Community Open House at the WSC Club House would be a great way to give back. As the plans progressed, they decided to pair the event with Whitehall's Stroll night, and to raise awareness of the Whitehall Food Pantry. The plans included community members making wreaths that would be sold after the open house. Six Beautiful wreaths were displayed. After the open house wound down, it was decided to move the wreaths to Ropers to auction them off. $2,200 was generated that night and the first WSC Wreath Auction was a success.

Over the next 21 years 1242 Wreaths have been made and sold. Bringing in $110,000 in community funds. As we were thinking, back on all the years Jacy Johnson said no that was in only 21 days. That is a hard concept to wrap your mind around, but yes, only 21 days produced an enormous outpouring of fellowship and goodwill.

Where did all the money go? A few national nonprofits were sprinkled in over the years, but for the most, it was just local organizations, and non profits. Occasionally wreaths have been made to support area injured Veterans, or someone with out of pocket medical costs that needed a helping hand for the holidays.

We did not do it alone that is for sure. First, there are the community members who have made the 1242 wreaths. Then they donated their hard work to help others. Every wreath maker is allowed to designate where the funds from their wreath goes. There are no pass through fees, the Saddle Club hosts the Auction paying for all the expense's to promote a better community. Second are the people who come to view and vote on their favorite wreath. Voting with canned food or cash for votes. This portion of the day's events brings the highly sought after bragging rights of first through third place for the wreath maker. Next are all the volunteers who help out the day of the Auction. From the Rodeo Club who has helped transport the Wreaths and displays them during the auction, to the WSC Members who set up, tear down, manage the money, and distribute the funds. Many hours go unseen in to the planning and executing. Finally, there are the Wreath Buyers. The many people who over the years have purchased one or more wreath to brighten their doorway while giving back to the many organizations that benefit from the proceeds.

Moreover, we have succeeded with our original goal of Awareness for the food pantry by collecting hundreds of pounds of food to stock the shelves. Some years several pickup loads of food is transported over to the Pantry. Several years ago, we added a popular cash for vote's option where votes could be bought and all those proceeds go to the food pantry. Allowing them to purchase to meet the need of their patrons.

Highlights over the years. Most Wreaths was 2004 at 90; followed by 89 in 2014. Most dollars raised was in 2019 at $11,814; followed by 2014's $10842. We only take the top 40 wreaths, voted on during the stroll to live auction, the rest go for their top silent auction bid. This 22nd year we will be hosting the first of the Four for Skye. More about that next week. Please consider this your invitation to come join in the fun and Make, Vote, and Buy a Wreath. Contact Lonna Johnson at 287-3037 or Bridget Morse at 490-0645 for any questions.