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Auction raises funds for groups

By Shawn Linenberger - | Jul 9, 2003

Some fast-talking Kansans helped Tonganoxie Days become a charitable success this year.

The Kansas Auctioneers Association raised $1,915 during an auction at last month’s festival.

KAA members already were in town for their convention, so Tonganoxie auctioneer John Shoemaker, this year’s KAA president, had members bring items to be auctioned.

In past years, Tonganoxie Days has been able to donate proceeds to one organization, but with the addition of the auction, the committee had seven causes on its list. The Tonganoxie High Art Department, which made decorative park benches for the event, received $355, while American Legion Post 41, VFW Post 9271, Good Shepherd Thrift Shop and Food Bank, Leavenworth County Red Cross and Rocky’s Lung Benefit each received $200. St. Jude Hospital received $60 from the auction.

The remaining $500 went to the Tonganoxie Days general fund.

“I think if we can benefit more than one organization that’s a good thing for the community,” said Connie Torneden, Tonganoxie Days organizer.

That couldn’t have been possible without Shoemaker and nearly 80 other auctioneers who were in town for their mid-summer convention.

The auction included many items donated by the auctioneers and a few local items.

“We were trying to find a way to promote Tonganoxie Days and the auctions and have some fun,” Shoemaker said. “I think Tonganoxie really supported us and the restaurants and the Almeda Inn, they took great care of us. I know they really enjoyed Tonganoxie.”

The convention will head to western Kansas next year, but the auction just might return for next summer’s Tonganoxie Days.

“That would be up to Tonganoxie Days,” Shoemaker said. “We can always get some people to help.”