Salvation Army auction to benefit those in need

ISHPEMING — Ishpeming’s Salvation Army is getting ready for an annual event to kick off the fall fundraising season.

The Harvest Festival Auction is Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and features a number of items up for bid.

All funds raised from the auction go towards the food pantry.  The Salvation Army has seen an increase in residents needing services the organization provides.

“Traditionally at this time of year we we’ve always done a harvest auction because funds tend to get a little low and we want to make sure that before the upcoming Christmas season we’re able to assist all of our clients and people that are continuing to be hungry and need utility assistance and we want to be there for the people in our community who need the assistance,” Ishpeming Salvation Army corps officer Captain Stephen Hansen said.

Some items up for auction include gift baskets, gift certificates to local businesses, and sports memorabilia.

“We always get a Packer football-we’re still waiting on the Lions football…I’m not going to hold my breath for that one,” auctioneer Paul Bonetti said.  “And then of course we have a (Justin) Verlander autographed picture and this year we do have a real nice framed Ishpeming High School football team (picture) it says ‘Back to Back’ on it, and it’s just gorgeous.  I’m sure the bidding will be pretty heavy on that one.”

“You know we really couldn’t do it without the support of the community and people that step up and open their wallets and the businesses that give the items too,” Hansen said.  “Without all that stuff it would be harder to assist the people that need it.”

There is a chili cookout at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Salvation Army before the auction.  It costs $5 to attend the chili cookout.