There are a lot of fundraising events around every year in Slidell, as well as all over the parish, but I have to say that there is one that has always impressed me for the way they go about helping dozens of non-profit groups.
Auctions in August is a fundraising event started years ago by Gulf Coast Bank and it is one of the most unique, and effective ways that this business decided to help many different charity groups.
The bank solicits items to be auctioned off for charity, all of which is conducted online. The person who donates the auction item gets to designate which charity gets the money, and then the person who wins the auction for the specific item makes the checkout directly to the charity.
There is no money spent for administrative fees, operating a fundraising event or anything else. 100 percent of the money taken in goes to a host of different charities.
This past year turned out to be the second-best year ever for raising money, totaling $131,000 for non-profits and schools during the Auctions in August event.
Nearly 200 organizations benefitted, and since beginning this event in 2008, Auctions in August has raised close to $1.4 million.
It was a great idea to operate a fundraiser this way and I wanted to congratulate the bank and their employees for all the work they do to conduct the event, and especially for the amazing good they are doing in our area communities.
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Talked to former Salmen High grad Pat Gill, the man who eight years ago started the Slidell-Salmen Alumni Golf Tournament, and he said they can still take a few more players for the tournament that will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Pinewood Country Club.
I’ve been recruited to play again in the Alan Risher, Errol Decker and Gary Tranchina foursome, although the event is actually conducted with two-man teams. I think Errol and I are hooked up, while Alan and Gary are playing together.
Now that he is living the retired life, my brother Tony Chiri has decided to come in from Georgia for the tournament so hopefully I can be on a team to beat him. You know, the old brotherly rivalry. Ha.
Actually, my golf skills are not nearly as good as my brother, or probably most of the people in the tournament. But the event is a great time for Slidell and Salmen grads to get together and have some fun. I’ve played in the past and trust me, it really is good to see a lot of the old guys show up.
If you still want to get in, registration is only $50 per man and that covers everything you need, even some adult beverages. There are cash prizes for the first and second place teams, then Pat always hustles up a pack of door prizes as well for the party that begins in the clubhouse afterwards.
A shotgun start is set for noon. If you want to sign up you don’t need two guys since Pat will set you up with someone. To still get on the list, give him a call at 985-707-5421 or go to the event page for the tournament on Facebook.
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Two of my favorite people have to be Bill and Sharron Newton. These are two of the nicest people in Slidell who seem to spend their lives trying to help every person or organization they connect with. And it seems like they are around everything!
Seriously, I love the heart they have for people, and it showed up once again recently when I had to stop by their house. When I was leaving out the main driveway, I noticed a sign that completely expressed who they are.
The sign had the simplest, but profound message that I loved:
“Be Kind”
Had to tell you about it.
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Looking forward to more great festivals and special events around Slidell in the coming weeks, especially this week’s Fall Festival on Sunday at Lamb of God Church where the Dachshund Races will be part of the action. The festival is free, raising money for the Animal Assistance League of Slidell, and goes from noon to 3 p.m. so you don’t want to miss it.
And then the big one—the return of the Slidell Food and Fun Fest the weekend of Oct. 21-23 at St. Margaret Mary church and school.
Larry Gillio, owner of Ace Hardware, is another of those locals who keeps doing good things, like the info I heard about him donating the lot next to his business for all the fair workers to park in. He said he did it so the attendees can find good parking spots.
Nice move my man.
Kevin Chiri can be reached by e-mail at kevinchiri@gmail.com.