Mt. Hall Mega-Auction Nets Over $19K For Schools

The gymnasium at Mt. Hall School was abuzz with anticipation as the 11th annual Mt. Hall Mega-Auction got underway at noon on November 14.

A benefit to raise money for all the schools in Boundary County School District #101, the Mt. Hall Mega-Auction has been a huge success as far as raising much needed funds, and this year was no exception.

With nearly 200 items donated - everything from homemade jams to white water rafting trips to bales of hay - the tables at the front of the gym were loaded with merchandise.

Under the able direction of Robin Ponsness and Mt. Hall Principal Angela Armstrong, as well as auctioneers Dave Gause and George Hayes, the bidding was fast and furious as public school supporters and those who enjoy the thrill of out-bidding their friends and neighbors joined in the good-natured competition.

"This is our main fund raiser," said Angela, "and it's mainly run by school district employees. Teachers from different schools help out. It's a lot of work but it's all worth it because in the end, the money earned goes to benefit all the schools."

The auction itself was extremely well-organized. From signing in and picking up a bidding number along with a list of the auction items, to the easily accessible refreshments, to filling out the information cards once an item had been successfully won in the bidding process, all the volunteers seemed to know what they were doing and made the process smooth and easy to negotiate.

In addition to the live bidding, several rounds of silent auction items were rotated throughout the afternoon, adding to the fun as well as the school coffers.

Angela said that that the Mt. Hall Mega-Auction netted $19,200 this year.

"Thank you to the whole community for donating to the auction and helping out the kids," Angela emphasized. "We couldn't do the "extra" things that we do in the classroom without the money from the auction."