The 2019 United Way Good Neighbor Radio Auction, the biggest United Way fundraiser of the year, hits WRJB 95.9 radio waves on Monday, October 7. With all of the items up for auction and delicious lunches on the menu, this year is gearing up to be an even greater success than last year. And according to Director Jo Jones, last year was a record breaker.
The First United Methodist Church on the square is once again hosting the auction. Doors will open at 9 a.m. for anyone wishing to donate items or write in bids before they go on the air at 1 p.m. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The first week’s schedule begins with Monday’s lunch being white beans, regular and Mexican style cornbread, slaw and dessert provided by Crossroads Baptist Church. Volunteers are Big Sandy Community Outreach and Eva Baptist Church. Auctioneers are Steve Whitworth and Richard Wright.
For Tuesday, Friends of United Way will provide meatloaf, green beans, creamed potatoes, slaw, rolls, and Addy’s cupcakes. Volunteers are Big Sandy Senior Citizens Center, First Bank and Eastside Baptist Church. Auctioneers are Pamela Mirabella, Autumn Ratliff, David Hampton and Maria Austin.
Wednesday’s lunch of chicken and dumplings, cornbread, slaw and dessert will be compliments of Country and Western Steakhouse. Volunteers are Carey Counseling, Tennessee River Baptist Church, City of Camden employees, Regions Bank, Second Harvest and TCAT-Camden. Auctioneers are Flash Melton, Donna Vick, Jennifer Barker, and Brandi Seaton.
On Thursday, New Beginnings Church will provide hot dogs or chili dogs, chips and dessert. Volunteers are Eva Volunteer Fire Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Carroll Bank and Trust and Grace Baptist Church. Auctioneers are Keith Arnold, Katelyn Arnold Spivey, Brad Mills and David Tuck.
Rounding out the first week of the auction, Craig’s Pizza will serve lasagna, salad, breadsticks and dessert on Friday. Volunteers are Cumberland Presbyterian, Benton County Library, Flatwoods United Methodist Church and Baker’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Auctioneers are Susan Hubbs, Kevin Stepp and Trey Smith.
Jones said that several other organizations will also assist the auction in different capacities throughout the three weeks. She said a couple of notables are Retired Teachers Association on Oct. 18, United Methodist Women on Oct. 21 and Rotary Club every Thursday.
Although things are coming together and shaping up, Jones said the one thing that will be missing this year is the unforgettable smile of Ronnie Troutt. He died unexpectedly earlier this year and was a great friend of United Way and the annual radio auction. Jones smiled and said, “We will definitely be thinking of him and how much he contributed to this event each year. He is missed greatly.”
The United Way Good Neighbor Radio Auction will run weekdays on 95.9 FM, from 1-5 p.m., October 7-25.
