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AUTUMN GOLD

Salvation Army Harvest Fest offers fun evening to benefit local programs

ISHPEMING — “Autumn carries more gold in its pockets than all the other seasons,” American journalist and author Jim Bishop once wrote.

The Salvation Army is hoping that some of that gold will be shared on Monday during the organization’s annual Harvest Fest celebration at River Rock Lanes in Ishpeming.

The night’s festivities will start with hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m, according to Salvation Army case manager Liz Nevala.

Guests can begin bidding on dozens of silent auction items upon arrival and then take part in a live auction hosted by local favorite Paul Bonetti beginning at 6 p.m.

Nevala said local businesses have donated some unique and useful items for this year’s auction.

“Businesses have been so generous. There are thousands of dollars worth of items from the Marquette County and western Marquette County,” Nevala said. “There are too many items to mention, including numerous gift certificates from local merchants, hotel rooms at the Ojibwa casino, Kewadin Casino rooms, numerous gift baskets and a Packers football just to name a few.”

Over $5,000 was raised at last year’s Harvest Auction to support the Salvation Army’s social and community programs, and Nevala hopes for an even greater result this year.

“Every year they try to raise more,” Nevala said. “All the proceeds stay in Marquette County and go to local programs, including Christmas, community meals, the Wednesday Night Kids Program, community lunch programs, summer camps as well as general operating cost for both the Ishpeming and Marquette locations.”

Nevala said the organization is grateful for the many volunteers who help to put the event together — an effort that starts well before the night of the event.

“All of our volunteers are tremendous,” Nevala said. “And I want to give a special thank you to Kimmie Peterson, who has been instrumental in coordinating and collecting donations from local businesses.”

Sponsors of this year’s event are Eagle Mine, Century 21, and River Rock Lanes, Nevala said.

The public is encouraged to attend the event.

“It will be a fantastic evening of fun,” Nevala said. “With friendly competition for the auction items and you may even walk away with some really good deals. But most important of all, it helps the community.”

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.

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