SALVATION ARMY'S MEN CLUB BENEFITS FROM LOCAL AUCTION

Floral arrangements and pretty furniture may not sound like the manliest of gifts, but the items were among those sold by auction Friday to raise money for a men's social group.

A truck bed liner, several televisions and assorted gift certificates also were auctioned during the Salvation Army Men's Club sixth annual fund-raiser. Organizers hoped to raise about $2,000 to cover costs for character building programs and Corps activities.

"Our overall purpose is to strengthen the men who are involved both emotionally, physically and spiritually," said Salvation Army Major Robert Gauthier.

Gauthier said some funds raised at the auction would be used to send club members to a Promise Keepers event later this year.

Promise Keepers is a nationwide religious organization for men that holds stadium events, retreats and other activities throughout the year.

"One of the benefits of sending men to Promise Keepers is it does benefit the whole family," Gauthier said. "The children and wives in those families are recipients, also."