One of Minden’s largest and most anticipated annual events will return February 5-8, 2026, as the Minden St. Jude Auction once again brings the community together to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The four-day telethon, raffle and live auction will be held on Super Bowl weekend at the Minden Civic Center and broadcast simultaneously on local radio, cable television and online. Organizers announced the 2026 theme, “Champions for a Cure,” drawing inspiration from both the Winter Olympics and the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.
“The torch is lit. The goal is set,” organizers said in a recent announcement introducing the theme. “Like the athletes who give their all for a dream, our community comes together each year with strength, courage, and heart. And every donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of generosity brings us one step closer to victory — a cure for childhood cancer.”
The Minden St. Jude Auction began more than four decades ago at KASO 1240 AM radio and has since grown into a major regional fundraiser. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $32 million for St. Jude, with Minden holding the distinction of raising more money per capita for the hospital than any other city in the United States.
In recent years, fundraising totals have continued to climb. The 2022 auction raised a then-record $2.4 million. The 2024 event generated $2,538,444, and the 2025 auction brought in $2,320,036. Proceeds from the auction are contributed directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude is one of the world’s leading centers for pediatric cancer research and treatment. It is the first and only pediatric cancer center designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Families treated at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatments not covered by insurance, and research conducted at the hospital is shared freely with the global medical community.
The Minden auction features a mix of raffles and live auctions, offering participants chances to win a wide range of items. Past offerings have included high-end electronics, trips, jewelry, firearms, landscaping services, granite countertops, recreational vehicles, side-by-sides and more. A grand prize option has traditionally included a cash prize or a vehicle, such as a GMC Yukon.
Raffle drawings are held daily throughout the event, while live auction boards run continuously over the four days. Auction boards typically feature four items with a one- or two-minute bidding window, allowing participants to call in bids at 318-377-1100 while watching the live broadcast. Larger “big board” items — high-value donations — are auctioned during special segments.
Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance through the auction website, mindenstjude.com, beginning one to two months before the event. Tickets will also be available by phone starting at 9AM Thursday, February 5, and continuing through the weekend. Drawing schedules and winner lists will be posted and updated in real time on the website and social media.
In addition to the auctions and raffles, the weekend includes several in-person events, including the Minden St. Jude Chili Cook-Off and the Minden Run for St. Jude, which features a color run, 5K, 10K and kids fun run. Visitors can also purchase raffle tickets, bid on auctions and buy St. Jude merchandise at the Civic Center during event hours.
The auction is supported year-round by local businesses, schools, civic groups and individual donors. Contributions range from merchandise and gift certificates to monetary donations used to purchase items for auction or raffle. Organizers determine whether donated items are best suited for raffle or live auction based on value and fundraising potential.
Volunteers play a critical role in the event’s success, assisting with phone banks, merchandise, logistics and promotions. Those interested in volunteering or exploring sponsorship opportunities can find more information on the event website.
Sponsorship levels for 2026 include Platinum at $2,500, Gold at $1,500 and Silver at $1,000. Sponsors who commit by the registration deadline will be recognized on official auction shirts and in print advertising.
Live coverage of the auction will be available at mindenstjude.com, on KASO 1240 AM radio and on Optimum cable channel 11.
More information about the event, including schedules, ticket purchases and ways to get involved, is available online at mindenstjude.com.