Downtown auction raises over $13,000

Southeast Missourian

Residents reveled in bargains Saturday night at the 15th annual Downtown Merchants Association Benefit Auction. More than 150 people attended the Mardi Gras-themed auction at the Knights of Columbus Hall, which brought in $13,100 for downtown improvement projects.

"Right now, we're looking at another major project," said Don Greenwood, president of the DMA. "Our outdoor Christmas decorations need to be replaced."

Funds raised through the auction are used to help finance downtown promotions such as the City of Roses Music Festival, the Christmas Parade of Lights, speakers for Main Street music and more recently, some funding for Old Town Cape's Main Street Program.

Over the years, auction proceeds have been used to help construct the John Boardman Downtown Pavilion and produce floodwall murals. More than $200,000 has been raised since the first DMA auction in 1987.

Bidding was lively for auction items donated by area businesses.

Judith Lang went home with one of the more unique auction items -- a grown-up slumber party for 10 women at Bellevue Bed and Breakfast.

A total of 90 items, including a stint as "honorary coach" at a Southeast Missouri State University football game, a mink and leather reversible jacket, a diamond ring and a fainting couch, kept the bidding moving at a lively pace.

"Everybody had a lot of fun," said Dionne Hoffmeister, auction coordinator. "We had a great turnout, and we saw a number of new faces at the auction."

Chug's Auction Service of Jackson, Mo., provided the auction service.

"We enjoy this auction," said Chug Crites. "It's one of three or four that we do free each year."

Catering for the auction was courtesy of Port Cape Girardeau.

rowen@semissourian.com

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