Mercantile Auction 2009

Senior Master Sgt. Scott Knupp and his wife, Karen, look over a silent auction gift basket entitled "Go Rustlers," which was described as "just the basket for those enthusiastic and loyal CMR fans who want to show their team spirit." Sergeant Knupp is a member of the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Valerie Mullett)

Mercantile Auction 2009

Malstrom Spouses' Club president Cheree Zeigler and auctioneer Fred Burow go over the items that will be up for bid during the 21st annual Mercantile Auction Nov. 7 at the Grizzly Bend Club. The event raised more than $13,000 that will be used for educational scholarships and other contributions to charity. (U.S. Air Force photo/Valerie Mullett)

Mercantile Auction raises record amount

Published Nov. 13, 2009
By Valerie Mullet
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- For the 21st year running, the Malmstrom Spouses' Club hosted the annual Mercantile Auction and they broke a record for money raised, bringing in more than $13,000. The event took place Nov. 7 at the Grizzly Bend Club.

"Even in a recession, the generosity is truly humbling," said Cheree Zeigler, MSC president and hostess for the event. "My personal goal was $10,000 and to exceed the previous years. Words cannot even explain how very happy and how proud of the MSC committee I am for putting together the best mercantile on record. "

The auction started at 5 p.m. with viewing of items up for bid. Heavy hors d' oeuvres were served starting at 5:30 p.m. and the auction kicked off at 6:30 p.m. Newly elected City Commissioner and long-time auctioneer Fred Burow got the action started and kept the bids coming in.

More than 130 Team Malmstrom and community members attended the event and more than 200 sponsors supported the auction with donations. There were 17 silent auction items to bid on that brought in between $12 and $75 each.

Donations of 20 desserts, mostly from spouses of Malmstrom active-duty, netted between $30 and $140 dollars each. Of the 56 gift basket packages up for bid, the lowest purchase was a car care package that sold for $60.

The most sought after item - a gourmet dinner for six prepared by the 341st Missile Wing Commander Col. Michael Fortney and his wife, Karen, and the 341st Missile Wing Vice Commander Col. Anthony Cotton - took in an impressive $1,175.

The Mercantile Auction is the MSC's largest fund raiser of the year. The majority of the money raised is used to provide educational scholarships ranging between $500 and $1,000 for family members of active -duty Malmstrom members, the Air National Guard and Reserve.

"On the heels of such a successful Combined Federal Campaign, Team Malmstrom came out strong again to support the MSC and this event," said Colonel Fortney. "I can't thank this community enough for their continued generosity and support. These two success stories are prime examples that 'excellence in all we do' extends beyond the mission."

Editors Note:

How to join the Malmstrom Spouses' Club
Any spouse interested in joining the Malmstrom Spouses' Club, even if the spouse is active-duty, can contact the membership chair, Stephanie Wood, at 750-0164 or e-mail Malmstromspousesclub08@yahoo.com. The group meets every third Thursday of the month and the next event will be a President's Social Dec. 17 at a location to be determined.

Scholarship information
Any military member's spouse or their child who is a senior in high school affiliated with Malmstrom, the Air National Guard or Reserve is eligible to apply for a scholarship. Applications will be available in the February 2010 timeframe and will need to be submitted by April. Winners will be announced at a dinner in their honor in May. Watch future editions of the Front Range Guardian for complete details.