The Minden St. Jude Auction kicks off today, launching four days of fundraising events, live broadcasts and community activities to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Widely considered one of the area’s largest annual events, the auction has also gained attention far beyond northwest Louisiana, with supporters from across the country tuning in and contributing. Over more than 50 years, the Minden St. Jude effort has raised more than $32 million for the hospital. Organizers say Minden raises more money per capita for St. Jude than any other community in the world.
The live auction broadcast begins today at 9AM and continues through 10PM. Coverage will air throughout the weekend on local television and radio stations and will also be available via livestream online and on social media platforms.
In addition to the on-air auction and raffles, a full schedule of events is planned across Minden through Sunday.
Thursday, February 5
Along with the 9AM–10PM broadcast, “Swing for a Cure” runs from 8AM to 5PM.
Friday, February 6
The auction broadcast expands to 7AM–10PM, with “Swing for a Cure” again from 8AM to 5PM. Setup for the Minden St. Jude Chili Cook-off begins at 4PM at the Minden Civic Center.
Saturday, February 7
Saturday features one of the busiest days of the weekend, with the auction broadcast running from 7AM to 11PM.
The Minden St. Jude Chili Cook-off begins cooking at 8AM at the Civic Center. Entertainment will include Mitch Fussell at 10AM, MoJo Music at 11:15 AM and 31GR8 at 12:45 PM. Tasting cup sales open at 11AM, chili judging begins at 1PM and winners will be announced at 3PM. First place will receive a $500 cash prize. Online cook registration remains open until 7PM tonight, with in-person registration also available Friday night and Saturday morning.
Runners will also take to the streets Saturday morning for the Minden Run for St. Jude at 301 Pennsylvania Ave. The Kids Half-Mile Fun Run is scheduled for 8AM–8:19 AM, followed by the 10K from 8:20 AM–10AM and the 5K from 8:25 AM–10AM. Organizers report 579 runners have registered so far and are aiming for 1,200 participants. Packet pickup times were adjusted due to recent winter weather and are now scheduled for Thursday and Friday from 8AM to 6PM and Saturday from 7AM to 8:45 AM.
Families can also attend the Young Women’s Service Club St. Jude Kids Day at the Civic Center from 10AM to 2PM Saturday. Admission is $10 per child for an all-you-can-play wristband. Activities include bounce houses, games, face painting, crafts, a gaming truck and appearances by Bluey and Chase from “Paw Patrol,” along with Miss Minden titleholders. All funds raised at Kids Day will be donated directly to the Minden St. Jude Auction.
Additional Saturday activities include “Swing for a Cure” from 8AM to 5PM and a Lifeshare Blood Center bus at the Civic Center from 11AM to 3:30 PM. The Broken Bean will also be selling lattes, frappes and drip coffee in the Civic Center lobby from 8AM to 4PM.
Sunday, February 8
The final day of the auction will air from 1PM to 10PM as organizers work toward this year’s fundraising goal.
Organizers are encouraging residents and supporters to share event information on social media, follow Minden St. Jude online and consider purchasing raffle tickets through the event website. They note that every donation helps St. Jude continue research and treatment efforts for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
