MANSFIELD — On the cusp of Thanksgiving seemed like a perfect time for a dessert auction.
That theory proved true on Tuesday night when organizers raised $11,500 for The New Store in a dessert auction at China Town on Ashland Road.
“We don’t really have a goal, but $11,500 is pretty strong,” event organizer Rick Sjostedt said.
Approximately 35 people were in attendance to help fund the store’s various programs.
For example, this year The New Store will clothe 1,200 needy children. Before the school year began it provided 2,300 backpacks with school materials for students at specific schools. In addition, 15 underprivileged children enjoyed a week’s stay at Hidden Hollow Camp.
Next month, approximately 1,000 needy children will receive age-appropriate gift bags for Christmas as well.
“We work through the school and get the names of the kids in need and work directly with them,” Sjostedt said. “This was a bunch of people bringing in baked goods that have a passion for this project. They get money from friends, pool it and use the desserts for Thanksgiving weekend.
“They will be used all weekend long.”
Button Blevins was the auctioneer, and kept the evening moving along smoothly at China Town.
