ABC Charity Auction Breaks Records

by Linda Merrick

On July 13, the 2008 ABC class held a charity auction at the home office to help raise money for the Children's Education Fund, Nigeria.

As special guest Fred Kellers, senior pastor for Nigeria, explained, Nigeria is one of the most populous countries, and one of the poorest. More than half the population is below the poverty level, with many living on less than a dollar a day. Getting a good education is difficult and expensive.

The highlight of the evening was a variety show put on primarily by the students with items (mostly baked goods) auctioned off between acts. ABC students Matt Beech and Sarah-Beth Shoemaker were the emcees for the show, and Gordon Pennington was the auctioneer. The show consisted of an African dance, songs and skits, including the famous Real Biblical Heroes skits depicting David and Goliath as well as the story of Jezebel.

There were also raffles and a silent auction to help raise money. Some of the items sold were jewelry, a guitar, books, artwork and even some of the decorations used for the auction, designed by Laura Jeffords.

The ABC class put in a lot of work to prepare for the event. Eric and Laura Jeffords, heads of the Service Committee, put together the charity auction, with faculty member Gary Antion overseeing the event.

Other students headed specific areas. Denice Schmidt and her kitchen crew prepared and served African dishes at the auction. Jeff Cox organized the procuring, with the help of many of the ABC students, and Eileen Sharkey took care of organizing the silent auction.

"It was a very successful fund-raiser that raised more money than any previous ABC fund-raiser," said David Register, director of Education Programs. The gross income raised was $11,567.50. After expenses for food, decorations and advertising, the net income that was sent to the Children's Education Fund, Nigeria was $10,465.70.

Mr. Kellers administers the funds and Oludare Akinbo, an elder in Nigeria, handles distributing them to those in need. UN