Chamber hosts its holiday auction

Published: Thursday, December 24, 2009

Courtesy photo St. Vincent de Paul Society and guests spreading good cheer at the Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce annual Holiday Auction for Charity.

HUDSON – The Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce held its annual Holiday Auction for Charity on Dec. 8 at King’s Court and Banquet Hall, 222 Central St., raising $6,387 for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Attendees who donated and participated in the auction raised $5,387, and an additional $1,000 was donated by PSNH. During the last 11 years of the annual auction, the GHCC members and local businesses have been able to raise $33,400 for charity.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society, which is operated through the Blessed John XXIII Parish at the St. John the Evangelist Church in Hudson, assists many local families by maintaining a food panty, assisting with rent and utility bills and distributing food baskets and gifts to families in need.

“The need is overwhelming this year with many families seeking assistance in the Hudson and Litchfield communities. This is the highest it’s ever been in many years,” said Leona Shanholtz, volunteer of the St. Vincent de Paul. “The assistance this auction has brought is definitely greatly appreciated and necessary to help aid these families. It’s been a very tough year for many.”

More than 70 business members of the Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce, along with other local businesses, donated items for the silent auction. The live auctions added to the festivities. Bob Clegg won the boat trip donated by Financial Insurance Services; Fred Ramos of Showtime Computers won the “Day at the Lake” donated by Red Brick Clothing; and Paul Weeks of Tsubaki Flowers won the “Weekend at Cape Cod” donated by Matibo’s Salon. Jim Goss of NH ESGR won the evening’s 50/50 raffle, and Kelly Cote of Caribe Tan won the jar of money.

The evening was a success with the hard work of the volunteers from the Chamber, the 110 guests that attended and the support of event sponsors The Nashua Bank, Service Lighting Express, Specialty Kitchens, Financial Insurance Services, Area News Group, Barlo Signs International, Granite State Credit Union, Reps. John and Mary Ann Knowles, Web Action Group and Tsubaki Flowers and Gifts.

To donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, call 882-2462, ext. 6.