Minden area raises more than $1.5 million for St. Jude
The “Little Town That Could” became the little town that did this weekend. When the final pledges rolled in, the grand total of money raised at the 42nd Annual Minden St. Jude Auction was $1,544,919. Not bad for four days.
“When we closed up the 2017 auction we already knew then that we were the little town that could,” said 2018 Chair Melissa Brown.
“We’re not the biggest town, we’re not the most wealthy town and we’re certainly not the flashiest town, but we are definitely the epitome of the little engine that could. And as the saying goes, ‘We think we can. We think we can.’”
This year, the website – which has made the annual auction a worldwide event – brought in more than $487,673, Laura Hollingsworth said.
Students of Webster Parish raised more than $131,000, while the Minden Run for St. Jude raised more than $68,000 from 1,155 runners. Other off-site events raised money throughout the year.
On site, the sales of merchandise totaled more than $60,000.
Leading up to the final hour, the sounds of bells ringing filled the Minden Civic Center.
Jeff Haynes made challenge after challenge to the viewing/listening audience, and they came through each time.
From more than 10 grand prizes and nearly as many Partner in Hope pledges, Haynes, and the rest of the emcees, were constantly ringing the cowbells, pushing the total higher and higher.
This year’s Grand Prize winner was Dustin Logan of Minden. He will have the choice of the 2018 GMC Yukon or $50,000 cash.
Partner in Hope winners were Wesley Mandino with the Rolex watch, Gary and Sarah Haynes for the trip to Disney World and David Morgan with the TV and media package.
For a complete list of winners, visit www.mindenstjude.com.