Waynesboro Area Cancer Auction’s new co-chairs passion for the upcoming event has not wavered since they took over the helm in 2023.
“We were blown away by last year’s support and turnout and the money raised on auction night,” offered Ali Huber at the auction kickoff meeting Jan. 3 in Michaux Brew Co. in Rouzerville. “We’re ecstatic to return as co-chairs to bring back the auction for the 42nd year,” added Kristyn Martin.
Auction day is Saturday, April 20, at Green Grove Gardens, 1032 Buchanan Trail East, Greencastle. Doors open at 3 p.m., the silent auction starts at 4 p.m. and oral bidding begins at 5:30 p.m.
The mission of the auction is to raise funds to help patients navigate through services for them and their families during treatment. Support also is provided for patient transportation, overnight stays during treatment and financial assistance for medical insurance copays, nutritional supplements, and utility bills, etc.
Returning to the auction festivities is a silent auction table featuring donations gathered by local students. “We had a kid’s table when I was young,” recalled organizer Jackie Sullivan. “We wrote to sports and entertainment celebrities, asking them to donate memorabilia. I remember one year Jerry Seinfeld sent us a donation along with a personal note,” she said.
“We hope to get students, from elementary- to high school-age, involved. We will draft a letter requesting a donation that will be accompanied by a handwritten note from the students. Now that I have my own children, it’s something I want them to do. I’m trying to instill the importance of giving back to an organization that supports a wonderful cause,” Sullivan added. “Anyone who has a connection to a sports team or celebrity may contact me at: [email protected]”
Huber announced a new subcommittee, WACA Direct, has been formed to determine the disbursement of a portion of funds raised at the auction. “Our feedback has been that there are so many needs locally. If you have cancer or someone you love has cancer, you need help. It’s a hardship on the family and they may need assistance financially,” she noted.
“After the auction we will open an application process. You must be a Franklin County resident undergoing treatment. It’s a one time amount and every person gets the same amount. The application process will close when the money runs out,” according to Huber.
Martin asked solicitors attending the meeting to encourage others to volunteer. “We can always use more help.”
Displayed at the meeting were the new T-shirts for the 2024 auction, featuring the winning design of Meredith Meck, whose mother died of cancer recently.
Since 1982, the auction has raised over $2.5 million. All auction items are donated, the auctioneers donate their time and a host of volunteers donate their time to solicit, organize and work the night of the event. A catalog of all the items is available weeks before the auction at local businesses and on the auction’s Facebook page, Waynesboro Area Cancer Auction
The silent auction tables feature several hundred items, including many that are hand-crafted, to bid on.
More information – how to donate and volunteer as well as the history of the auction – is available at:
