By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It’s that time again! Time for the 48th annual Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction to begin. Once again, the Paris Convention Center will serve as home base for the 2026 auction, which will take place from this Monday, January 12 through March 4.
This year’s President is John Etheridge and Volunteer Coordinator is Chris Babyar. Helping Hand officials have been counting down the days until the local community comes together to support local organizations that care for Henry County all year long.
For two solid months, there will be a flurry of activity at the Paris Convention Center as dozens of volunteers and local organizations band together to provide items for the annual auction. In all, thousands of dollars are raised and distributed to some 90 local non-profit service organizations.
Over $500,000 was raised in 2024. And again, in 2025, over $500,000 was raised in the auction.
As is tradition, the auction will kick off Monday with items donated by Lakeway Kiwanis and the Paris Lions Club.
Auctioneers this year are Andy Collins, Noel Hatman, Amy Veazey, Darrin Thompson, Jamie Orr, Wendy Barnhart, Ray Compton, David Jackson, and in-house auctioneer is Doug Taylor.
The teams have been busy recruiting volunteers for drop-off, ticket write-ups and afternoon table management and pick-ups. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Chris Babyar at 731-407-8585. Allie Harper (731-363-3677) is coordinating our morning & afternoon tech team volunteers.
There are several ways the public can participate and watch the action every day: the auction will be broadcast live both on the new Henry County Helping Hand website and on the radio station’s website at www.henrycountynow.com. You can listen to the auction on our radio station Big Henry/WHNY at 104.7 FM and AM 1000. And, you can always come and watch the action in person at the Paris Convention Center.
The auction will have a new feature this year with an updated website designed by Sarah Sargent of Whale Made Designs. Harper said, “We are excited to share that Helping Hand has a brand new website, created to make it easier than ever to stay informed, get involved, and support the auction.”
For the first time, our website includes:
- An auction calendar where you can view daily auction events and save dates directly to your own calendar.
- A way to Subscribe to email updates, so you never miss important announcements.
- Clear information on auction location, times, item drop off, and item pick up.
- A dedicated Get Involved page showing all the ways you can support Helping Hand
- A page to Become a Sponsor, plus a section thanking our incredible sponsors.
- The ability to Donate online, either as a one time gift or a recurring donation.
- A new Blog, where we’ll begin sharing updates, highlights, stories, and community impact throughout the year.
Harper said, “Our goal with this new site is to answer questions before you even have to ask and to make Helping Hand more accessible to everyone in our community. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more details about daily auction events, featured groups, donated items, and special days to watch for. Whether you plan to bid, volunteer, donate, sponsor, or simply tune in and cheer us on, there is a place for you in this tradition.”
Auction phone number is 644-1695. There are plenty of auction calendars to pick up at the Convention Center each day. The calendar is also posted on the Helping Hand website.
Photo: Helping Hand auctioneers ready for 2026.