At the Mapleton Lions Club’s last meeting, the members decided to postpone the club’s annual charity auction due to COVID-19 restrictions. The first Saturday in May for nearly 60 years has been the date of the auction.
Because of the size of the Mapleton Lions Hall and 6-foot physical distancing required, the club decided they could not host the event as usual.
However, the loss of the auction was a serious concern as approximately 70 percent of the yearly funding for the club’s charitable activities has normally been received through this one fundraising event.
From left, Mapleton Lions Joe Greaves, Ron Leonard and Matt Gregg work at a past charity auctio. The club’s 2021 annual auction is being postponed to August and September, and will be an online event. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
After a full discussion of other alternative fundraising activities, the club decided to reformat and reschedule the auction by hosting it online. The event will start in mid-August and end Sept. 16. Mapleton Lion Matt Gregg will host the online auction through his business website, Gregg Auctions of Mapleton.
Club members are starting their solicitation of items for the auction. Anyone wishing to contribute items may contact any Mapleton Lions Club member who can help with handling of your donation.
The Lions recognize this year of pandemic restriction and limitation placed many individuals and businesses in tough situations. The club wants to be able to continue purchasing eyeglasses and assisting in the purchase of hearing aids for those in need, as well as fund college scholarships, help support Mapleton Daze and contribute to many other charitable community needs. The Club is currently running on funds from last year’s drive-thru chicken dinner and its limited online auction held in December. These funds will be exhausted soon, and if that happens then their ability to help others in need will be significantly reduced.
In June at Mapleton Daze, the club is planning its annual chicken barbecue, which may or may not be an in-person event depending on COVID-19 rules. The club asks everyone to set their calendars for Saturday, June 26, for the barbecue.
Memorial Day ceremonies
The Mapleton Lions Club will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Day Ceremony. More information will be forthcoming as the Club hopes this will be one of the largest parades that they have had in several years. Organizations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to come and join in the parade.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
