By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–With an anonymous donation of $100,000 to start the last day off, the Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction raised an unofficial $502,600 for 2024. That total is likely to increase somewhat before the official total is announced when the checks are distributed.
Last year, an anonymous person also donated $100,000 on the last day, bringing the 2023 total to $519,825, the first year that the auction hit the half million dollar mark.
Helping Hand officials thanked everyone who helped with the auction, including all the volunteers and donors over the past two months. Most agreed the last day is always a bittersweet one–everyone is exhausted but still sorry to see it end.
Each year, thousands (and thousands) of dollars are raised for the Helping Hand Auction, which is then donated to over 90 local public service and non-profit organizations.
A small army of volunteers keeps the Auction going each year, as donations of baked goods, complete meals, homemade crafts, artwork and more unique items arrive from local groups, churches and individuals each day. Raising money one homemade pie at a time.
The auction began January 8 with new officers–Treasurer Caroline Dunn and Secretary Allie Harper. This year’s auction also incorporated live video in addition to being broadcast over our radio station. The video stream was performed by Susan Jones Public Relations.
As is tradition, the auctioneers took turns at the mike at the last day, with Noel Hatman being the one to kick things off this afternoon and make the announcement of the $100,000 donation.
Helping Hand officials will announce the date at which checks will be distributed to the public service and non-profit organizations.
Photo: Auctioneer Noel Hatman announces the $100,000 donation at the auction outset this afternoon, with volunteer Chip McLean at his side. Shannon McFarlin photo.