23rd Mercantile Auction sets record for donations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The theme was "Community, Compassion, Contribution," at the Malmstrom Spouses' Club sponsored 23rd annual Mercantile Auction Nov. 5 at the Grizzly Bend.

An all-time high record was set, with donations of 71 items from 150 local businesses combined with 135 members of Team Malmstrom that attended the event.

"The 23rd Mercantile Auction is the biggest yet," said Rory Cullen, Mercantile Co-Chairwoman. "We've had the most people RSVP this year and the most baskets donated."

The night kicked off at 5 p.m., with a viewing of all the silent, live and dessert auction items. Heavy hors d'oeuvres were served at 5:30 p.m., followed by a live auction, which was announced by Fred Burow, city commissioner of Great Falls and the auctioneer for the event for more than 20 years.

Rumors of a competition between squadron commanders echoed throughout the club - to outbid each other to win one specific item.
That item, dinner prepared, served and hosted by Col. H. B. Brual, 341st Missile Wing commander and his wife, Desiree, was the last and most anticipated item of the night.

"Year after year, a dinner with the commander brings in the most amount of money," said Amber Plant, MSC treasurer.

"Dinner with the commander and his wife is the most sought after item," Cullen said.

The variety of items donated ranged from a unique Sacajawea print, autographed by her great-great niece, to desserts made mostly by MSC members.

"We sent out more than 300 letters to the community asking for donations," said Valerie Acevedo, 2011 Mercantile co-chairwoman. "This year, we had 100 percent participation from all the squadrons. We've been preparing for this auction since August and we're [MSC] anxious to see the results of our hard work paying off."

The auction wouldn't be the tremendous success that it is, without the help of Team Malmstrom and Great Falls community members.

"The money goes back into the community," Plant said. "It is locally driven and we give away the money raised as scholarships and to non-profit organizations such as the Special Olympics."

The Merchantile Auction is the largest fundraising event the MSC club hosts every year. This year was no exception. The money raised goes toward college scholarships for those pursuing a first-year degree. Those that are family members of active-duty Team Malmstrom members, the Air National Guard and Reserve, can apply for the scholarship.

For more information on the scholarship application process, watch future editions of the Front Range Guardian for complete details.