Auction helps children

ALBERTON – Calls of ‘sold!’ and the rapid-fire chatter of an auctioneer filled the restaurant of the River Edge Resort in Alberton for the annual Helping Hands of Alberton auction on Saturday.

People sat throughout the restaurant and bar to eat lunch and consider whether to place a bid. Occasionally, a call would ring out from an aid as someone flashed a bid card.

Several times, bid wars would break out as two or more people fought over an item. At these times, Auctioneer D.K. Mitchell would become nearly incomprehensible as he negotiated the bid at lightning speeds.

On other occasions, Mitchell would have to lower his opening bid because nobody wanted to take the price. There were also times where Helping Hands volunteers would place a bid or two to break the ice and get the rest of the crowd bidding on an item.

A long table at the back of the bar was covered with items to be auctioned off, which continued onto the floor once table space ran out. Throughout the auction, members of Helping Hands would occasionally go back and bring a few more items forward so there was never a lull in the activities.

The auction was one of the main fundraisers for the Helping Hands LLC. The group is a non-profit organization, which help bring Christmas to kids who would not otherwise get one. According to Ruthie Kulawinski, president of Helping Hands, the auction is the largest fundraiser the organization does in the year.

“We also do float trips,” said Kulawinski. “But we didn’t this year because the water level was so low.”

The auction featured items donated by businesses and individuals throughout the area. Along with ones in Mineral County, many contributions came from businesses in Missoula and Frenchtown. Aside from anything given for the auction, the host venue donated all the services for the day.

The River Edge Resort donates the space and service to the auction every year. The restaurant also provided a meal of fish and chips. Everything provided by the resort was given free of charge and all proceeds went to the Helping Hands organization.

“All the money that they raise for the fish and chips lunch, we always contribute the entire amount,“ said Shawn Hagle, co-owner of the River Edge Resort. “So we just donate the food and the labor to get it out there.”

The auction has been held at the resort for approximately 18 years. According to Hagle, Helping Hands used to rotate the auction between the various bars in town. Once the larger restaurant of the resort opened Hagle’s mother-in-law, who was president at the time, suggested the space become the new home of the auction.

“It grew so big it needed a bigger venue to hold all the people,” said Hagle. “So they started holding it here.”

Helping Hands operates off a list of families who may not be able to afford to celebrate Christmas. A representative contacts those who were recommended to the group and presents an offer of assistance. If the family accepts, Helping Hands works to provide what it can.

“We try and make sure we get the children clothing, if they need it,” said Kulawinski. “Or one special toy they may need.”

A Christmas dinner is also provided to the family. Kulawinski estimated 13 families were helped last year. She said it was too early to say how many families were on the list this year, but a better idea would form over the next few weeks.

Helping Hands is based in Alberton and assists families in Mineral County and as far out as Frenchtown Valley. While there is no website for Helping Hands, Kulawinski said almost anyone in Alberton can provide contact information.