The 70th Annual Boys and Girls Club of the Red River Valley Youth Auction will be held Friday, Dec. 6 starting at 6 p.m. at the Gibraltar Hotel in downtown Paris.
“This auction is our major fundraiser for the year and will help with everything from operating costs to continuing to provide our kids with different programs that they can participate in,” said board member David House.
The club offers members an array of activities to do after school including football, a computer lab, art classes, homework area, dedicated teen area (with a TV, Playstation, couches, etc.), gymnasium, game room, and more recently a music program.
Over the past few years, the club has grown from 50 kids at the center each day to well over 150 kids.
“We provide kids a safe play to be after school and also provide them with a small nutritious meal,” added House.
In 2018, the annual auction raised over $130,000 and this year they are hoping to raise even more as they continue to grow.
The auction is open to the public and those wanting to attend are encouraged to get to the Gibraltar Hotel early to view many of the items.
“We currently have over 300 items donated by local businesses so far and will continue to add to the list up until the day of the auction.”
Some of those items include sports memorabilia, concert tickets, vacations, and more.
And while the big-ticket items seem to grab most people’s attention, many locals can’t wait to get their hands on the famous Edna Brady’s Pies.
“These pies are famous in our area and always a hit,” said House. “Miss Edna has donated pies for as long as I can remember which come in a glass pie pan.”
Those who have been lucky enough to win one of the chocolate, peanut butter, pecan or strawberry pies know they are worth every cent.
WATCH LIVE ON MYPARISTEXAS.COM FACEBOOK PAGE (CLICK HERE) AND TO BID ON ITEMS ON DEC. 6 CALL 903-905-4906
Locals will also have the chance to sponsor a child for $300 which helps cover costs throughout the year.
In addition to raising funds for the club, three locals will also be honored for their contribution to the organization over the years.
“This year we will be honoring Murray Fasken, Blake Moore Sr. and Monty Moore who are big contributors to our club,” said House.
Auctioneers for the event are Sims Norment and Monty Moore.
“It will be a super good time and being at the Gibraltar this year will be really nice,” said House.
Food will be provided at the event from local restaurants. Those not in attendance will be able to watch LIVE on the myparistexas.com Facebook page and myparistexas.com TV25 (Suddenlink) and will be able to call in with their bids.
Local radio station KFYN 104.3FM The River will also be broadcasting audio from the event and the entire list of auction items will be published in The Paris News and on myparistexas.com the week of the event.
“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.”
