The 69th Annual Boys and Girls Club of the Red River Valley Youth Auction has been set for Friday, December 7th starting at 6 p.m.
Hundreds of items donated by local businesses will be up for auction with the proceeds going towards the operating costs of the Boys and Girls Club.
“Two years ago we only had about 50 kids and now we have over 180 kids on a daily basis,” said president Clifton Fendley.
Fendley said while they’ve increased the size of their club, they haven’t increased their budget.
“This event raises money for us to continue running the club and taking care of all the kids.”
The Boys and Girls Club of the Red River Valley offers members an array of activities to do after school including a computer lab, art classes, homework area, dedicated teen area (with a TV, Playstation, couches etc.), gymnasium and game room.
“It’s the only true after-school program in Paris and provides these kids with a safe place to be,” said Fendley. “It’s their home away from home.”
In 2017, the annual auction raised $163,000 and this year is set to be even bigger.
“This year we’ll be honoring Allyson Fasken and Barney Bray who were both big contributors to our club,” said Fendley.
Those wishing to attend the auction and bid in-person can stop by the 1st Street Studios, located at 14 1st Street in downtown Paris, anytime from 6 p.m. until the last item is sold.
Alternatively, the auction will be broadcast LIVE on local tv station MyParisTexasTV25 (channel 25) as well as myparistexas.com, and KFYN 104.3 The River/myparistexas.com Facebook pages.
Local radio station, KFYN 104.3FM The River will be broadcasting audio from the event LIVE.
Those not in attendance can listen or watch LIVE and call in to bid.
Auction items will be published in The Paris News and on myparistexas.com the week of the event.
Auctioneers for the event will be Montgomery Moore and Sims Norment.
“This is our biggest fundraiser for the year and being able to continue to provide for these children is so important to us. This fundraiser enables us to do that.”
