Hands that tend the fields next door also touch the lives of others in one of the world’s poorest countries, thousands of miles away. And their work is supported through funds raised at this weekend’s Haiti Benefit Auction.
In this community where charitable activities and fundraising events seem to occupy every weekend, the one with arguably the largest scope and farthest reach will be held for the fifth time June 19 and 20.
The Haiti Benefit Auction supports mission work in Haiti, where it’s easy to spot someone suffering from poor nutrition because their hair has turned yellow, says one of the women who has visited the country. All proceeds from the auction and food sales go the Haiti Missions.
Organizers of the auction, held at the Yates County Fairgrounds, are hesitant to reveal the total funds that have been raised from the past auctions, but it’s safe to say that the number reaches well beyond seven figures.
Some local families and young men traveled to Haiti in January for 10 days. While there, they constructed three new buildings. Over the years, funds from the auction have helped pay for training 700 teachers. Clinics, medications, school systems and more benefit from the efforts of the Haiti Benefit Auctions.
“When you see the difference you can make in a person’s life, it makes you feel good,” says one of the local Mennonite women involved in the organization of the auction. She has traveled to Haiti as part of the Christian Aid Ministries programs that benefit people in Haiti.
The auction being held this weekend in Penn Yan is the New York State auction.
Others are held in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois.
The auction begins with a roast beef dinner at 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 19 and a cattle auction beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Friday night also is a great time to preview the quilts, furniture and other items that will be sold on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.
On Saturday, the grounds open at 6 a.m. when breakfast featuring omelets, fresh fruit, coffee, juice and homemade donuts will be available.
Crafts and miscellaneous items will be auctioned at 8 a.m. The quilt auction begins at 10 a.m. and will include 60 to 80 handmade quilts of all sizes, designs and techniques.
The furniture and specialty items auction will begin at 10:30 a.m. There will be a large selection of hand-crafted wooden furniture in addition to buildings and a garage.Throughout the day, food will be available in a unique food concession where everything from pork roast and barbecued chicken to homemade ice cream is available, and the customers set the price.
The day also includes attractions and activities for children.
The Yates County Fairgrounds is located on Old Route 14A south of the Village of Penn Yan.
See one of the quilts and other auction items on display at Lyons National Bank in Penn Yan.
