The ABC Charity Auction was a success once again! Held at the UCG home office on March 20, the event was the first auction held in-person after two years. The auction was run, hosted and performed by ABC students and faculty. Themed “Back to the Theater,” the entertainment section of the event featured several comedic skits that were almost entirely original pieces, providing laughter and entertainment for the guests in attendance. Such skits included “Goldilocks and the Three Elephants,” “Right Place Wrong Time,” and “Nebby K.” The students also sang a few select songs from various musicals such as Les Misérables, The Muppet Movie and The Sound of Music to tie into their theme.

Of course, the main event was the auction itself. The goal for the 2022 performance was to raise money for brethren in Zambia to receive a new bus so they may gather for the Sabbath each week. The bus costs $15,000, and the non-profit LifeNets, started and run by the Kubiks, committed to cover the difference depending on how much money the Charity Auction raised.

Hosted by student body president Matthew Rains and student service committee head Winston Snyder, the auction was an enormous achievement. More than 150 brethren arrived to watch or bid at the auction. Thanks to the generosity of multiple attendees, the students had over 40 varieties of desserts and treats to auction off. With such a wide variety ranging from Pokémon cookies and a Star Wars cake to bourbon brownies and cheesecake, there was something for everyone. The silent auction featured a large assortment of items as well, including paintings, baseball cards, dishware and even an almost-new flatscreen TV!

During the intermission, guests were provided with snacks and drinks to refresh themselves between acts. The students outdid themselves, preparing a beautiful charcuterie board, chocolate fountain with fruit kabobs and sparkling cider. Guests were allowed final access to the silent auction items for one last bid during this time, and then it was back to the fun.

Overall, the silent auction, live auction and online donations added up to approximately $10,000, reaching two thirds of the goal that LifeNets provided. Weeks of planning and practice went into this afternoon, and it could not have gone better. The students enjoyed putting on this show and were glad it was going to such a worthy cause. Multiple guests agreed it was a wonderful event, and that they thoroughly enjoyed going.

We look forward to seeing what next year brings!