The Junior Group of Goodwill put on another successful auction, raising funds to help support Goodwill’s mission of providing job training and employment services to those with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The two-day event, which was held in February at Stambaugh Auditorium, brought in over $61,000.

This year’s auction sponsors were Home Savings and Loan Company, Allied Waste Services of Youngstown/BFI, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aim NationaLease and Packer Thomas. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s auction was used to help subsidize the rising cost of the Annual Awards Banquet. In addition, funds raised by the auction were also used to assist with operational and capital needs to keep Goodwill's facility operating efficiently.

Friday evening’s gala included a jewelry sale, basket raffle, live auction of new goods, silent auction, Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, hors d’oeuvres and pastries. Nearly 550 people attended Friday’s patron party.

Many local businesses generously donated items for the auction. The live auction featured over 80 items, including a chartered fishing trip, Botox treatment, a gourmet dinner prepared in your home, autographed sports memorabilia, various sporting event tickets and several pieces of fine jewelry.

Saturday’s auction featured hundreds of collectibles and antiques that were donated to Goodwill’s nine donation centers throughout the area. The Junior Group volunteers spend many hours all year long sorting and preparing these donations in anticipation for the auction.

Mark you calendars now. The dates for the 2007 auction are Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3 and will once again be held at Stambaugh Auditorium.

To be included in next year’s mailing, or if you are a business wanting to donated an item/service or are interested in becoming an auction sponsor, please contact Goodwill’s marketing department at 330.759.7921.