Annual basket auction another success

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The Warren Spouses' Club hosted their annual basket auction March 17 in the Fall Hall Community Center here. This year's theme was "Casablanca."

Nearly 200 basket auction participants, including some distinguished visitors -- both military and civilian --were able to buy baskets and desserts through both silent and live auction venues. Each basket was unique and filled with items pertaining to specific themes; i.e., a golf themed basket could have contained golf tees, a box of balls and other golfing apparel.

"We raised about $20,500," said Lauren Shields, basket auction chair. "This included money raised from winning bids as well as donations made that night from many generous people in attendance."

That amount was significantly increased from last year's event, Shields added.

"We were so very happy with the success we had this year," Shields said.

Funds received from the auction are being put toward scholarships for military dependents of all branches [of service] to use while pursuing a bachelors or masters degree. Several scholarships will be awarded during the scholarship awards banquet in May.

"Along with the scholarships, a portion of the funds will benefit our charitable organization, and we will use that portion to make contributions to the Cheyenne, Wyo., community as well as other national organizations," Shields said.

Successful events take time and planning, and the Warren Spouses' Club board members and other volunteers have been planning and working on the auction since October, and their dedication paid off.

"We are truly pleased with the great turnout as well as the generosity of those in attendance, whether that included donating a basket to be auctioned off, or getting in the competitive spirit of bidding for a good cause," Shields added. "We look forward to more events such as this in the future."

To view a slide show of the basket auction, click here.