Red Cross holding annual auction in Manning

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

Tri-county residents will be finding their way Thursday to Manning to find bargains at low prices and give money to their local Red Cross chapter at the same time.

The American Red Cross of Central South Carolina is holding its fourth annual auction at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Manning United Methodist Church gymnasium.

The auction has become a premier fundraising event that Red Cross carries out each year to help disaster victims in Sumter, Lee and Clarendon counties, said Nancy Cataldo, service center operations director for the Central South Carolina Red Cross.

This year's auction comes at a time when it is costing the local chapter more money for local disaster relief than it takes in at the Sumter service center, Cataldo said.

More than $75,000 has been spent for fiscal year 2009 in local disaster relief, mostly for responses to house fires.

The agency is more than $30,000 short of its fundraising goal of $75,000.

"While it has become more difficult for people to give to Red Cross, the need is greater than ever," Cataldo said.

Red Cross is not a government agency and does not receive state or federal assistance or allocation. Revenue is generated solely by individual and organization donations, she said.

This year's auction will feature an appearance by Bishopville's Pearl Fryar, internationally acclaimed topiary artist, featured on TV and in a critically acclaimed documentary film.

"Come watch Pearl turn an ordinary bush into a sculptured masterpiece," Cataldo said. "And then bid for the item in the auction."

This year's auction will feature numerous items donated by individuals and businesses, Cataldo said.

Items will include prints, a casino cruise, furniture, golf outings, jewelry, throws, Cornish hens, scuba diving lessons, a land transfer deed from property owned by Henry VIII, pedicures and gift certificates for services such as dry cleaning and groceries.

Cataldo said Red Cross provides food, clothing, household items and shelter to families who are victims of a natural disaster.

Admission to the auction is $5. Food and beverages will be provided by the Manning United Methodist Church.



WANT TO GO

Red Cross Auction

6 p.m., Thursday

Manning United Methodist Church

17 E. Rigby St., Manning

For more information: (803) 775-2363



ON THE WEB

For more information on Red Cross in the tri-county area and to make a donation, visit www.centralscredcross.org