The 10th annual Christmas fundraiser at the Hope Grange in Winlock will once again feature family-friendly fun aimed at raising money for several good causes.
This year, the event will feature live bluegrass music, stew and cornbread, bingo, a silent auction, a cake walk and an opportunity for kids to meet Santa.
Larry Carroll, treasurer of the grange, said last year the event raised close to $3,000, which allowed the grange to give out four or five $500 scholarships, purchase dictionaries for the Evaline and Napavine school districts, and raise enough money to donate $500 to the food bank.
“Every year it’s getting bigger,” he said.
Carroll, a fourth-generation member at the grange, said the silent auction is where most of the fundraising money comes from. Last year, 107 items were auctioned off. For this year, donated items for the silent auction number close to 100, with more to come.
Restaurant certificates, an overnight casino getaway, 100 gallons of propane and a new basketball hoop are up for grabs.
“It’s a good variety of stuff,” Carroll said.
Along with Santa, this year Mrs. Claus is also expected to hand out bags of goodies for the children.
The event on average draws in over 50 people, Carroll said, packing the small grange hall. It continues to grow.
The public is invited to come together and have fun for a good cause, Carroll said. The event will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Hope Grange, 120 Antrim Road, Winlock.
Donations for silent auction items are also still being accepted. To donate, contact Carroll or his wife Kristine at 360-864-4341.
