AUCTION ACTION — Auctioneer Lowell Gabriel cried the sale as the Freeborn Area Cancer Auction was conducted on Saturday, November 24 at TB3s in Freeborn. The event raised $40,000 for cancer research. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
$100,000 mark reached in just four years
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Four years ago, a group of concerned individuals decided to have an auction in Freeborn to raise money for cancer research. When they started, only Saturday afternoon was used to raise funds, now the Freeborn Area Cancer Auction lasts two days.
“In just four hours Friday night, we raised over $12,000,” said Jeanette Ladlie, one of the organizers of the benefit. “There is still quite of a bit of stuff left for today (Saturday.)”
The folks who filed in to TB3s in Freeborn early Saturday, November 28 to claim their seats for the auction took the time to look over the bidding items as well as have a little lunch. Around 1 p.m. auctioneer Lowell Gabriel started the auction action. Gabriel announced there would be a surprise later on in the afternoon, but he didn’t know exactly when. Baskets, figurines, gift certificates and countless other items were put on the block auction. The prices were very reasonable starting out as several items went for $10 or less.
“We might have to save some of the stuff until the real rich people get here,” said Gabriel jokingly.
Around 3 p.m., the surprise which was promised was revealed.
“Lowell told everyone we had surpassed the $100,000 mark,” said Ladlie. “We feel that is significant for the fact we are only in the fourth year of the auctions.”
When all the final tallies were made, the Freeborn Area Cancer Auction had amassed a total of just over $40,000 for 2011. The money will go to the Eagles Cancer Telethon scheduled for January 2012.
“It was fantastic, people were just great,” said Ladlie. “It appeared everyone was having a good time.”
