2011 Annual Auction
The annual Gateway Woods’ Auction is to be held on Saturday, August 6. Every year I come to this day looking forward to a big family .jpg)
reunion. While I may have some of my earthly family there, the reunion is with the family of God.
In past years I came early to help park cars and to enjoy the hot breakfast sandwiches. I would listen to the testimonies and hear the beautiful music the Staff and children bring to us. Once the Auction begins, there are so many items to choose from that it can be hard to race from tent to tent to get to the items I want to bid on. Sometime in the middle of the day, I stop to take a break and enjoy a lunch. After making sure my Silent Auction bids are in order, I settle back to enjoy an ice cream or lemon shake-up.
While I enjoy many things about the Auction, what I enjoy most is coming to see some of my heavenly family who come together from all across the nation. I enjoy catching up on their lives and families, encouraging and being encouraged. In the end I leave tired and blessed from a full day. Not to mention the great blessing of helping to provide an important part of the operating funds for the ministry.
On the day of the Auction, volunteers fill approximately 275 different work opportunities. From kitchen tasks to data entry to carrying items in the tents, from those of a high age to eager youth, there are positions for everyone. Regardless of ability to give financially, we can all offer our time.
Please consider coming out to the Auction this year, I guarantee you’ll be blessed. Even better, volunteer your time and talents for a portion of the day. Check with your local Rep or call Gateway Woods to see where you could be of service. Come for the reunion, and leave with a blessing. I look forward to seeing you there this year.
Making A Difference
Our Annual Auction provides nearly 12% of the annual income used to sponsor our five programs. Without the Auction, we would be severally restricted in the amount of services we provide.
We often receive letters or calls from past residents who are thankful for their time at Gateway Woods. Success and maturity are often slow in coming but over time they realize Gateway Woods is someplace special. Residents use phrases like "life changing" and "turn-around" to describe their experience at Gateway Woods. One resident called Gateway Woods her "life-saver."
Gateway Woods opens people's eyes to the hurts and needs of today's youth, many of whom come from broken homes and confused lives. As society continues to erode, the children coming to Gateway Woods have less and less to stand on.
Communities need places like Gateway Woods to help pick up the pieces to children's shattered lives. As long as the need exists, we will continue to serve the community with restorative services to children and their families
The Auction is our biggest fundraiser, bringing nearly 2,300 people to our campus on Auction Day. It is truly a family event with great food, activities for the kids, and a wholesome atmosphere. You can be absolutely certain that money donated at the Auction will be used efficiently and will truly make a difference.
