“It is for the kids”

On Saturday, Aug. 30, the Edgar County Shrine Club hosted its annual auction at the American Legion in Paris, filling the evening with good food, spirited bidding and remarkable generosity from countless community supporters.

“Events and moments like this are only possible because of the people in this room,” Cole Vietor said near the close of the event on Saturday night. “It’s services like Knowles Auction, the donors and each one of you in the room that help us make a difference in the lives of these kids … it really is all about these kids.”

Throughout the evening, several Shrine Club members expressed their gratitude to Knowles Auction, a Marshall-based auction service, and countless others, including sponsors and donors, both in person and across social media platforms.

“We are deeply appreciative of your support, as we could not have accomplished this without you,” the club noted. “Your generosity has enabled us to offer items of exceptional quality at the sale … Small towns are amazing.”

The group also praised the bidders, thanking them for “showing up with such incredible generosity and spirit.”

In addition to a live and online auction, the club also provided a dinner on Saturday. The meal was served at 5:30 p.m., featuring a spread of pulled pork, green beans, cheesy potatoes, rolls and homemade brownies crafted with love by Georgia Colvin. Plates were just $10.

The auction portion of the evening kicked off at 6 p.m. Shortly after beginning, the bids paused when a Shrine Club member introduced the audience to multiple patient ambassadors.

Among the children introduced by Donnie Rowe were Ralynn Tate and Henry Tate. The Tates each had a unique item to contribute to the auction.

Ralynn Tate presented a collection of jams, which sold for $500 just moments later. Henry Tate donated a thrifted, antique Shriner desktop trinket. The knick-knack, stuffed with candy, sold for $300.

Supporters of the Shrine Club were also introduced to Regan McCarty. McCarty was introduced through a touching story about her childhood experiences at the hospital.

Bubble-themed artwork created by the youngster became the centerpiece of the night, drawing passionate bids that climbed to $700 before the final gavel fell.

“These kids are a perfect example of everything that we are doing here tonight and why we are doing it,” Rowe said. “It is for the kids, all of this is for the kids.”