The 2021 Annual Kids Benefit Auction was held at The Pines Restaurant and Golf Club on November 6, 2021. It was a special one, not only because this is the 50th Anniversary of the Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club, but it was also the 30th Annual Live Auction.

The evening began with a special video presentation, featuring Club alumni from the past 50 years, including Jerry Lane, one of the Club’s early Executive Directors and his family, several of whom are involved in the Boys and Girls Club organization, including his daughter-in-law Kelly Zimmerman Lane, former National Youth of the Year winner from the Club and previously serving as Development Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County, Mekos Denson former executive director of Clubs in Florida, Atlantic City, Nevada and Georgia, Tauzzari Robinson CEO at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint, Michigan,. Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America also shared a video message to those in attendance congratulating the Club on their 50th year of serving youth. Josh Nolan, OABGC Executive Director, also shared his own history as a Club kid and the impact the Club had on him and his own career and life paths.

Emcee Keith Kennedy and Auctioneer Bob Graber kicked off the Live Auction just as they usually do. Graber, auctioneer of all 30 auctions stated, “Whether you are here for the first time, or you’re also attending your 30th live auction tonight, you will be witness to the great things this community does for the Club.” His words proved to be prophetic when it came time for bidders to make purchases at the Scholarship portion of the auction, many attendees generously opened their wallets and their hearts, sharing generously with the Club. One bidder even made a donation towards the Sports Program by purchasing 11-$250 Sports League Scholarships in memory of Board member Brooks Curtis, whose football number was 11. Another donor gave 30-$100 sponsorships in honor of the 30th anniversary of the auction.

“The generosity of the community helped raise almost $180,000.00 this year, the Club’s second highest auction to date,” said Auction Chair Shane Scarbrough. This year’s Corporate Sponsor was PNC Bank, additional sponsors included Serpentini Orrville, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge, Aultman Orrville Hospital, Deco-Crete Supply, MD Custom Builders, Mennonite Mutual, Monheim Dentistry, Ryan & Karrie McCallister, Tim & Jenny Smucker, Wenger Companies, Auble Funeral Homes, Lynn V. Horner, Dave & Kathy Yonto, & The Hummel Group.



The next auction is planned to return to the Spring timeline and is scheduled for May 21, 2022.