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Elks auction raises $27,000 for community groups

Meredith Kerr Journal Staff The St. Paul Elks radio auction raised about $27,000 this year according to Elks President Jim Turton. “We were about $1,000 less than last year, but with the way the economy is we did excellent,” said Turton.
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Craig McDonald

Meredith Kerr
Journal Staff

The St. Paul Elks radio auction raised about $27,000 this year according to Elks President Jim Turton.

“We were about $1,000 less than last year, but with the way the economy is we did excellent,” said Turton.

Doris Dargis is the chair of the auction. She said there were a number of items donated by companies and individuals in the area, including one that set a new record for the bid.

“Black Track Paving went for $5,400, that was our highest bid item and it maxed itself out,” said Dargis. “He gives us the pavement every year and that’s the most we’ve ever got on his.”

She also noted the two loads of gravel donated by the County of St. Paul both sold for more than their declared value, as did a number of items donated by private citizens.

“Anything that was John Deere and painted green went for over the value of what it was worth,” said Dargis.

Turton was pleased to report on the excellent turnout for the 37th annual auction and the great number of volunteers who gave their time to make it happen.

“About 60 to 70 people are required to do everything we need,” said Turton.

Volunteers answer phones, talk on the radio, keep track of bids, collect and set up the items in the hall, and make phone calls to inform the winning bidders.

While all the volunteers are appreciated, some in particular stood out this year.

“Once we got those ladies from the crisis centre (Capella Centre), they were fabulous quick thinkers. They were putting the bidding cards on them and they were so fast,” said Dargis.

Now that the auction has wrapped up, any group wanting to ask the Elks for support should make sure they get their letters and requests in, as the money only lasts “as long as it lasts.”

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