Laura Hollingsworth shared details about the upcoming 2026 Minden St. Jude Auction during a presentation at the Minden Lions Club meeting held at noon on January 22.
Hollingsworth spoke on behalf of the annual fundraiser, which will begin Thursday, February 5, and continue through Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Minden Civic Center. Lion Dr. Fred Cabaniss introduced Hollingsworth to the group, saying, “It’s St. Jude time, and there’s nothing better about Minden than St. Jude.”
This year’s auction theme is “Champions for a Cure,” inspired by the Winter Olympics. Hollingsworth said the event website, MindenStJude.com, is active and raffle items are already available for viewing and purchase, with additional items expected to be added leading up to the event.
The 2026 Grand Prize winner will have a choice between $50,000 cash or a 2026 GMC Yukon, with chances available for a $100 donation. Hollingsworth also highlighted a new raffle opportunity: two chances to win $25,000 cash, with each chance available for a $25 donation. Additional featured raffles include chances to win a Kubota tractor with several attachments for $25 per chance.
“We also have a multitude of the $5 and $10 raffles,” said Hollingsworth. “We’ll be drawing all weekend.”
A full list of raffle items is available on the auction website.
In addition to the auctions and raffles, several in-person events are planned for the weekend. Hollingsworth said Saturday’s activities will include the Chili Cookoff, a blood drive and a children’s area, and she encouraged residents to attend.
Hollingsworth also spoke about year-round fundraising efforts that contribute to the auction’s success. She noted donations from off-site events and fundraisers including The King’s Servants, the Minden St. Jude Diamond Open in memory of Stanton Haynes, the Miss Louisiana Volunteer Pageant and various school-led efforts.
“It is just so joyful. When the teachers talk to these kids, they talk to them about what they are doing for other people. Just by participating, you’re giving back to kids who need help. It’s a great thing that the Minden community is raising children to care and to feel a part of giving back,” she said.
She thanked local businesses for their continued support and described how one company has found a unique way to participate. Last year, Aeropres Corporation purchased a grand prize raffle ticket for each team member at its five locations, and one employee won. The company plans to repeat the effort this year.
“Every way to give is a great way to give, but it’s so fun to see new ways for these businesses to give back to their people as well,” Hollingsworth said.
Hollingsworth also recognized contributions from incarcerated volunteers at Wade Correctional Center. She said the youth created leather goods, birdhouses and rocking chairs for the auction, using their own canteen funds to purchase materials. This year, they also built a fort to be included as an auction item.
“It is really special,” she said. “They feel so blessed to be able to give, and that is so important to every human being.”
Hollingsworth asked those in attendance to show appreciation to the many volunteers and supporters who help make the auction possible each year.
The Minden Lions Club, whose motto is “We Serve,” meets every Thursday at noon at the American Legion Memorial Hall, 119 Pine St. The club regularly hosts guest speakers and welcomes new members interested in community service.