The mission of the Waynesboro Area Gala Auction Inc., a local non-profit organization, is to hold an annual community auction to raise necessary funds to help neighboring cancer patients (in Franklin County, PA) navigate through services available to them and their families in the course of treatment. Support is provided in areas such as patient transportation, overnight stays during treatment, and financial assistance for medical insurance copays, nutritional supplements, utility bills, etc. Since 1982, many volunteers and scores of donors collaborate to create one wonderful night to benefit local cancer related organizations. An annual “event” in the area, where several hundred people gather at Green Grove Gardens Event Center for the purpose of coming together to support those dealing with cancer in our community. Over the last 39 years, we have raised almost $2.4 million for organizations that provide support to local cancer patients. Some of the organizations we support include the Oncology Bridge Fund and Hennessy House in Chambersburg, PA; Hope Lodges in Baltimore and Philadelphia; The LIVESTRONG Program at the Waynesboro YMCA; and the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital, Hershey, PA. All auction items are donated, the auctioneers donate their time and talent, volunteers donate their time to solicit, organize and work the night of the event, and supporters have a wonderful time bidding on items. A catalog of all the items is available weeks before the auction at local businesses and on our page. The silent bid items number far in excess of several hundred, including many hand-crafted items. There is a steady stream of traffic by these tables, as everyone checks and re-checks their bids, attempting to be the last with the highest bid. When the “flashing red light” goes on, and there’s only minutes until bidding closes on a table — look out! The real excitement of the evening is during the oral bidding action for the 100 to 130 major items. There is never a lack of interest for any of the prized treasures. From antiques to newly crafted furniture, sporting event tickets to weekends in your favorite vacation spot, pies or ice cream weekly for an entire year, and concert tickets to name a few. There is literally something of interest for everyone. The bidding is sometimes fast and furious and, again, the spirited action is a reflection of our supporters’ desire and commitment to help make a difference in the fight against cancer.
