By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It’s that time! The annual Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction is set to begin again Monday, January 9, and the good news is that it will an in-person auction once again.
Due to COVID restrictions, the Helping Hand Radio Auction has been limited in the past two years–although the money raised soared to new heights, raising $380,000 in 2022. The annual fundraising event benefits over 80 local nonprofit charitable groups and runs over two months, from the opening day of January 9 through March 1.
Long-time Helping Hand Treasurer Susan Bell said, “After two years of non-traditional auctions due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are very excited to allow people to return inside and bring, bid, and pick up items. Make plans to volunteer, donate money, provide items, and bid high and bid often.”
It will be held at the Paris Convention Center and there will some changes from previous years: audience members and bidders will be seated on the main floor of the Convention Center, while volunteers will be working the phones on the stage area.
Our radio stations will once again be broadcasting the auction live and you can listen on 104.7 FM, 97.5 FM or AM1000 (WHNY Big Henry). You can also listen live on our website at www.RadioNWTN.com. Station Manager Lance Pierce said, “This is a great thing for our community and we’re proud to be part of it every year. The Radio Auction raises thousands of dollars for these non-profits that help us every day. Helping Hand does so much and it’s such a part of the fabric of our community.”
You can also listen to the live coverage on the Henry County Helping Hand organization’s new website at https://henrycountyhelpinghand.com/. Helping Hand also has a Facebook page, where photos of the day’s activities will be posted. Our news site at RadioNWTN also will be providing daily updates.
The auction begins at 12:30 p.m. weekdays and noon on Saturdays. There will be four night auctions: Educators Day on January 21st, Henry County Medical Center Day on February 4th, First United Methodist Church Day on February 11th, and First Baptist Church Day on February 18th.
Auctioneers this year include: Ray Compton, Jamie Orr, Andy Collins, Doug Taylor, David Jackson, Junior Staggs, Darrin Thompson and Noel Hatman.
Groups donating items for Monday, January 9 are: Lakeway Kiwanis and Paris Lions Club.
Groups donating for Tuesday, January 10 are: Henry County Fair Association, Masonic Lodge/OES Martha Chapter, Paris Academy of the Arts, Paris First United Pentacost, Project Bridge, Moose Lodge.
Groups donating for Wednesday, January 11 are: East Wood Clinic, Tomorrow’s Hope, Paris Surgical Specialists, Dialysis Clinic, West TN Bone & Joint.
The Lakeway Kiwanis Club has donated proceeds from its 21st Annual Mexican Dinner on October 20th to Henry County Helping Hand in memory of Fred McLean, a former Paris attorney who died earlier this year. McLean was always the first auctioneer on the first day of the auction each year.
“Fred was a vital Helping Hand volunteer for over three decades serving as a president, board member, and popular auctioneer. He played a key role in Kiwanis, including the local club’s Mexican Dinner fund raiser,” said Bruce Reed, current Helping Hand president.
Those who have questions about Henry County Helping Hand may contact Susan Bell at 731-694-0192. Updated information will be posted on the group’s Facebook page at facebook.com/HenryCountyHelpingHand.
Photo: The late Fred McLean at the mike at the 2017 Radio Auction. McLean was always the first auctioneer on the first day of the auction each year. (Shannon McFarlin photo).