Major changes for the W.S.C.'s 23rd annual Wreath Auction

Due to Covid-19 the Whitehall Saddle Club has had to think of a new way to keep the annual Wreath Auction going. In the past, the Wreath Auction was in the Community Center. This is where the wreaths have been on display. Local wreath makers donated their wreaths to local nonprofits and then voted with canned goods. The top 40 wreaths moved to the Mint Bar for the live auction. This was a way to help promote the food pantry, local non-profit organizations, and medical expenses for local families. Over the years, the W.S.C. has raised over $115,000 for local organization.

With heavy hearts, the W.S.C. has decided against holding the live Wreath Auction. We feel the health and safety of our community is very important. So, this year a hand carved leather wreath was donated by the W.S.C. by Rich Sharkey. The W.S.C. has decided to do an online auction with this one Wreath. All proceeds from this wreath will go to the Jan Richards Medical fund. This wreath will be on display at LJ's Barber & Styling at 13 East Legion in Whitehall. A link to the online auction will be posted on the W.S.C. Facebook page soon. Anyone can place a bid on this wreath. The online auction will end Saturday December 12th at 7pm. The highest bidder will get this beautiful wreath. Everyone is encouraged to make a donation to the Richards medical fund, or to a nonprofit of his or her choice in the spirit and generosity that the past Wreath Auctions have brought.

So in order to continue with our original goal of supporting the Whitehall Food Pantry, we will still be doing a food drive. The W.S.C. will be setting up drop off points at Ace Hardware and LJ's Barber & Styling. We will also accept cash donations at Ace and LJ's for the food pantry to use for additional items. The Pantry has depended on the truckloads of food from the Wreath Auction to supplement the Christmas Baskets each year and we hope to fill the shelves this year too. Any businesses that would like a box set up, please contact Lonna at 490-8294 or Bridget at 490-0645. Donations can also be mailed to the W.S.C. at PO Box 816, Whitehall, MT.

We thank you for your donations in the past and look forward to seeing the Wreath Auction back to normal next year.