LOCK HAVEN — Following a two-year hiatus, the Clinton County United Way’s 9th annual Sports Night and Fine Arts Auction is back.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, May 13, at the Millbrook Playhouse, 258 Country Club Lane in Mill Hall. According to executive director Ben Green, the event is the United Way’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
“We consider this Clinton County’s premier fundraising event. It’s the largest auction that we do for charitable fundraising,” Green said. “Basically, it’s a night of fun, casual entertainment. We know it’s Friday the 13th, but we’re rooting for good luck that night instead.”
The ticket cost, Green said, will include admission, drinks, food and entertainment.
The annual Sports Night and Fine Arts Auction went away for a couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with COVID-19 case counts on the decline and masking guidelines relaxed, Green believes that the event can be held safely.
“This will be the first time we’ve been able to hold it since the pandemic,” Green said. “We’ve tried to do it twice prior, but canceled it for the safety of the community. Now, we feel comfortable enough to proceed. We’re hoping for good weather, so it will be held primarily in the courtyard, so it’s pretty much open air.”
The guest speaker will be Lock Haven University’s own Albert Jones. He is the chief diveristy, equity and inclusion officer for Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities.
“We’ll present a small token of the community’s gratitude for his contributions to sports around here,” Green said.
As far as auction items are concerned, Green said there will be a plethora of items to choose from.
“We do try to keep it sports-themed. This year, we have tickets to Penn State games, the (Pittsburgh) Pirates, signed sports memorabilia and we have lots of other tickets for amusement parks, lots of things like that,” Green said.
There will also be local items on the auction block, including getaways and gift baskets from local retailers.
“The silent auction may have up to 70 items that people can bid on,” Green said.
Tickets are $50 apiece. Those going as a couple can get two tickets for $90.
Food will be provided by the Beech Creek Hotel. Beer is being donated by the Bald Eagle Beer Distributor. Wine will be provided by the United Way board members.
Green is hoping for a big night.
“It’s our largest fundraising event. Not having had it for several years made an impact on us,” Green said. “We raise this money to give it out. The money goes to support our partering agencies. It really helps the community.”
