Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 14, 2016)
Polk County News 6A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • December 14, 2016 Record numbers raised for YMCA By Emily Mentzer The Itemizer-Observer INDEPENDENCE — “I’m gonna sell it to you,” said Mike Ainsworth, Polk Coun- ty commissioner and mas- ter of ceremonies at the 17th annual YMCA Christ- mas Party and Auction on Friday at Green Villa Barn. Those were words Ainsworth said as he sold each of the live auction items to the highest bidder. In one case, it was more than one. “Our biggest seller of the night was a live auction item — dinner at Sam Car- roll’s farm,” said Natascha Cronin, vice president of youth development for the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties. “The dinners are amazing, and the Carroll family are fantastic hosts. The bids kept going up and up.” When they got to $1,100, things slowed down, Cronin said. “Then, Sam announced he would offer two dinners, so the two folks bidding each bought a dinner at $1,100,” she said. “Fantastic.” Altogether, the silent and live auctions raised $23,593. After expenses are paid, Cronin suspects the profits will be about $21,000 — a new record for the Mon- mouth-Independence YMCA Christmas Party and Auction. “$20,000 helps a lot of people,” Cronin said. Silent auction items in- cluded a variety of things, from toys to children’s books, shampoo to tools, artwork to gift baskets. In the live auction, jewelry, wine and eclipse packages, dinners and a family game night were featured. About halfway through the live auction, people were asked to donate schol- arships. “We raised almost $4,000 just on the pure generosity and kindness,” Cronin said. Throughout the evening, programs from the Y were highlighted, including the YMCA cheerleaders, the In- spiration Dance Company, and stories from people who had benefited from programs at the Y. Cronin said she learned a few things during the event. “Having the Central High School Jazz Band is extra special, because we discov- ered this year that multiple kids in the band had partic- ipated in YMCA activities when they were younger, and that Mr. Ed Propst (the band teacher) attended years of summer camp as a child,” Cronin said. “The Y is more than a gym — it is a place for kids, grownups and families to learn, thrive, play and be active.” EMILY MENTZER/Itemizer-Observer The 17th annual YMCA Christmas Party and Auction was sold out, attended by 200 people. EMILY MENTZER/ Itemizer-Observer EMILY MENTZER/ Itemizer-Observer County Commissioner Mike Ainsworth was the master of ceremonies and live auctioneer for the event. Attendees could play Superhero Ka-Pow, where, for $20, they could punch through the box and pick a prize worth at least $20. “We have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:2 Christmas Eve Add meaning to your Christmas season by celebrating the birth of Jesus in worship. 7 p.m. Candlelight Service 10 p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5:00 pm • December 24 Please note the time change is earlier than last year. A traditional service of carols, special music and candle light for the whole family! 565 SE LaCreole Drive • 503-623-2481 dallasumc@questoffice.net • www.umcdallas.com Sunday Christmas Day 10 a.m. Worship Service Coffee & Cookies after each service All are welcome. Come as you are. Trinity Lutheran Church St.Thomas Episcopal Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5:00 pm Eucharist Celebration Christmas Day 10:00 am 320 SE Fir Villa Rd, Dallas (across from the drive-in movie theater) 503-623-2233 www.dallastlc.org 1486 SW Levens, Dallas 503-623-8522 • www.stthomasdallas.org