The Minden St. Jude Auction raised a total of $2,320,036 this past week, continuing its legacy of community-driven philanthropy. On top of this monumental achievement, the auction was also celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“We’re celebrating our fiftieth auction. We have some special things to look back on, we’ve had some special things to look forward to, and we just want to say thank you for being a friend to the Minden St. Jude Auction. It’s been awesome,” said Laura Hollingsworth.
The Minden St. Jude Auction began in 1976 as a one-day radiothon, founded by Pete and Pam Treat alongside KASO Radio and community members. Their daughter, Anne Treat, was treated at St. Jude before her passing in 1977, inspiring the family to give back. The first auction raised $10,000, surpassing expectations.
Throughout the decades, the auction evolved from radio to television broadcasting, expanded to multiple days, and incorporated raffles. The 1990s saw the introduction of computer systems, streamlining operations, and adding events like chili cook-offs. The 2000s brought live streaming, allowing the auction to reach a global audience.
“The beauty of this thing for 50 years, some people can give money, some can give time, some can give talent, and some can give all, but every person in this community wants to participate and wants to help in some fashion,” said Mike Harper. “It’s incredible the moving parts that come together for the sum of the total effort because everybody is critical. If one cog breaks down in one of these areas, it stops the auction. It’s a remarkable experience and I’m proud to be part of it and thank you for letting me do that this year.”
The event featured the Minden Run for St. Jude, kicking off Saturday morning with clear skies and warm temperatures. A mix-up in the 5K route resulted in runners covering 4.2 miles instead of the intended 3.1 miles, yet participants persevered. The winners of the mismeasured 5K were Nathan Vogel of Campti in first place, Luke Stanford of Minden in second, and Spencer Smith of Ruston in third. Kevin Vines of Shreveport won the 10K race, followed by Trent Clemons of Minden and Jason Engle of Haughton. In the Kid’s Fun Run, a half-mile race, the top three finishers all came from the 9-year-old boys division. A. Ramsey of Minden took first place, followed by B. Marks of Haughton in second and E. Harmon of Minden in third.
The Minden St. Jude Chili Cook-off set a new record with 36 teams competing and raising $14,139 — surpassing their goal by $4,000. “That’s $4,000 over our goal and the most we’ve ever raised,” said Randy Stevenson. Cast Iron Chili took first place in Best in Show, Chili of the Ages claimed the top spot for People’s Choice, and the overall 2025 Chili Champ title went to Chili Man Chili Man.
Minden native and PGA professional Blake Thomas hosted a three-day golf fundraiser, “Swing for a Cure,” at Minden Presbyterian Church. Thomas offered private golf lessons, with proceeds supporting the auction.
Some of the big ticket raffles including the Partner In Hope went to Ashley Buffington, Alice Fanning, and Jessica McCain. The Grand Prize raffle winner was Mark Brown. The winner of the playhouse raffle was Erin Ramsey.
Near the end of the auction, co-chair Mellisa Brown shared some memories of her time with the event. “I just think back on all the years that Laura and I have been here. I think of all the friends we’ve made and friends that aren’t here with us and the ones far and the patients that aren’t here with us and the ones that are success stories,” said Brown.
“It’s true. Every person, every family in our community has played a part in one form or fashion to the success of this auction. Hopefully, we won’t be doing this for another fifty years, we won’t have to. But until that day, we’ll work like we did this weekend to reach that goal.”
