ASHLAND – Ashland University’s Convocation Center was brimming with holiday cheer Thursday as hundreds of people came together to support United Way of Ashland County.
The annual Holiday Happenings event was larger than in years past, drawing about 300 people to mingle with coworkers, friends and neighbors as they enjoyed food and drinks and bid on silent and live auction items.
Early in the evening, attendees snatched up dozens of stockings that were available for sale. Each was stuffed with a mystery prize worth at least $20, and one contained a $650 necklace from Bohland Jewelers.
Another popular item was candy and cookies sold by-the-pound. Santa was on hand to take photos with the crowd, and appetizers and drinks were plentiful.
Over 130 silent auction items were donated by community members and businesses. They ranged from kids’ toys to power tools to holiday decor.
Another 18 items were auctioned live, including Miller’s-Hawkins donuts for a year and a one week stay in a condo in Mexico.
What was billed as a surprise auction turned out to be what United Way of Ashland County Executive Director Stacy Schiemann called Power of the Purse. A dozen designer purses — all modeled by men — were auctioned live. The idea, Schiemann said, was to draw attention to the important role women play in the community.
Holiday Happenings was more of a seasonal celebration than a campaign rally this year, but Schiemann said United Way had raised more then 62 percent of its $975,000 “Faces of Change” campaign goal at last count.
With many more pledges and donations coming in since then and expected in the coming weeks, Schiemann said she is very optimistic about reaching the goal.
“This community is very generous and hard-working and wants everyone to have the right services for the right needs, so I trust the community will take care of us because we take care of our own,” she said.
Money raised through United Way of Ashland county’s annual campaigns goes to support 13 partner agencies and the Mohican Area Community Fund as well as United Way’s own community programs. Partner agencies include American Red Cross, Appleseed Community Mental Health Safe Haven Shelter, Ashland County Cancer Association, Ashland County Council on Aging, Ashland County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Ashland Parenting Plus, Ashland Y, Associated Charities, Catalyst Life Services, Catholic Charities, Hospice of North Central Ohio and Kidney Foundation of Ohio.
“I think United Way is a great charity because it gives to other charities, not just one thing,” said Elyse Kulka, who attended Thursday’s party will coworkers from Corinne’s Salon.
Another Holiday happenings attendee, Diane Reynolds, said she supports United Way because all the money stays local and helps people in Ashland County.
