BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the Times
Union County loves its 4-H program and has a long history of supporting its programs. This was clearly illustrated last Friday night (Aug. 9, 2024) when supporters gathered for the annual 4-H Auction event.
There is always good attendance at 4-H events, but this year the number of people exceeded both the expectations and plans of event organizers. Union County 4-H Youth Development Agent Meagan Daniel planned on about 150 people attending the event, which was held at the Pine Grove Barn. She was quite surprised when about 230 people showed up to support the organization. Extra tables had to be quickly set up and the buffet-style meal of pulled pork, macaroni and cheese and green beans started to run out early. Some late-comers had to make-do with mac-and-cheese and a drink. Determined that her guests should be fed, Daniel called Sonny’s BBQ and ordered 30 sandwiches with a side of beans and sent one of the volunteers to pick them up. Even the desserts, which are always numerous, disappeared with haste.
The high attendance and the resulting increase in seating caused the auction to be conducted a little differently. The live auction items were located in a front corner of the room and volunteer auctioneer Jason Stalnaker was based at a small table and conducted the auction standing in the middle of the room among the tables. Former 4-H’er Tanner Connell volunteered his time to ride heard on the club members who were on hand to deal with the needs of their guests and display the items as they came up for bids. Due to the restricted space the youngsters were weaving around the room between tables people carrying the items so everyone could have a look. Connell did a great job coordinating the efforts of the young people, but later described the experience as “like wrangling cats.”
The auction was held under the auspices of the Union County 4-H Association, who all were on hand helping to organize and manage the event. Board members of the association are Karen Cossey, Ashkea Dyal, Chrissie Griffis, Justin Howard, Christy Huntley, Loren Kunze, Stephanie Sellers, Jason Stalnaker and Eric Williams.
Fifty-five items were featured in the live auction, all donated by local businesses, members of the community and several of the 4-H Clubs that the event helps to support. Donors included: West Fraser, Swift Creek Trucking, Lori Caren, New River Club, Melissa McNeal, Pritchett Trucking, Danny Tomlinson, Mac Johns, Providence Woodworks, Anisha Waters, Welch and Son, Homeschool Club, Kellie Rhoades, Kristen Muse, Mayo Ag Services, Julie Denson, Nancy Stalnaker, North Florida Custom Meats, Bradford Sportsman Farm, Union Power Equipment, Hillandale, Wilber Andrews, Josh Smith, Joe Hendricks, Hamilton Farms, Phillip McDonald Plumbing, Brittany Ranard, Avid Anglers Club, Thomas Hardware, North Florida Equipment Rental, Pigtails and Ponytails Club, Kristi McCallister, Crystal Elixson, Growers and Showers, Nanette Stalnaker, Kyle Bessent, Pinetree Quarterhorses, Becky Sharpe, Justin and Eric Outdoors, Dawn Ripplinger, Marine Services Mobile, Becky Raulerson, Bunny Buddies, Kasey Kelley, Lake Butler Farm Center, Union County Farm Bureau, Providence Friendship Club, Charlotte Durrance, Tax Collectors Office, K2 Ranch and Beyond the Buckle Horse Club.
The Silent Auction featured 46 items, including goods, services and a number to themed baskets. Many of the donors were the same as in the live action, but there were some other donors as well. These included: donors listed above, Crystal Rosier, Bucks and Struts, David Deren, Kettle Kreations, Squirreled Out Leatherworks, Lola Farms, Balloons, Decor and Moore, Lindsey Reid, Total Air, Judy Harden, Dapper Duck Soap Company, NAPA, Union County Beekeepers, Colan Coody, Bunny Buddies, Williams Gas, Ryan and Alexa Perez, Fila Perez, Union County, Kasey’s Rustic Rise, Nextran, Carquest, O’Reillys, Ink and Thread and Our Family Table. The raffle included gift certificates from Pop Pops Pizza Box, Hillandale, Gather Lake Butler, B-Squared and a basket of goodies from Chick-Fil-A.
As usual, a number of homemade cakes, made for the event by some of the best known bakers in Union County, were sold in the live auction and, also as usual, they sold high. The top two fundraising cakes were a poundcake, made by Nancy Stalnaker and a Reeses Eruption cake, made by Crystal Elixson. Both of these cakes sold at auction for $350 each. The top donated item for the event was a Thermal Night Hunt, donated by Justin Howard and Eric Williams, which auctioned for $700.
Also donated to make the event possible was the use of the Pine Grove Barn, by Carissa Emery, at a value of $1,000 for the evening.
When all was tallied up, the event raised about $17,000 after expenses (Brian Barton Catering and Sonny’s). Fifty-two people purchase items at one or both auctions, with many purchasing several. Daniel said it was the best fundraiser in at least the last three years.
The money raised at the event will be used to support awards for 4-H members for their participation and achievements in the program, the 4-H clubs (including the background checks run on all volunteers) and in-school 4-H programs (including STEM, agriculture education and financial literacy).
Daniel was quick to express her appreciation for all those who made the event possible.
“Each year, I am amazed at the generosity and finanicial support shown within our community,” Daniel said. “I would like to thank you for your commitment to youth development in Union County. Due to your generous donations, we are able to increase opportunities each year for our 4-H program.”
