Auction For Ronald McDonald House To Return
When Michael Leader, a longtime member of the board of directors of Ronald McDonald House in Hershey, wrote to Moses Smucker of Narvon in January of 2008, he was asking for help. Leader knew that Smucker had organized the auction for the Nicholas Stoltzfus House project in Wyomissing, and he was wondering if Smucker would lend his talents to a similar event for "a very good cause."
Ronald McDonald House provides services free of charge to families of children being treated at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. In 2008, the house required a $4 million expansion, which would add 15 rooms for a total of 35. The Plain community of Lancaster County had utilized the house often, and Smucker responded to Leader's letter by holding a meeting at his house in March of 2008. The first Lancaster County Community Auction to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania was held on May 2, 2009.
After a two-year hiatus, the 12th Lancaster County Community Auction will be held at the White Horse Fire Company, 111 White Horse Road, Gap, on Tuesday, May 24, beginning at 11 a.m. The traditional country "bring something, buy something" format will feature quilts, antiques, toys, crafts, garden items, furniture, quilts, and more. Smucker noted that several sheds and DeWalt tools will be sold. Food for purchase at the auction will include chicken barbecue meals and pulled pork sandwiches, along with a variety of other foods.
Over the decades, Ronald McDonald House, located within walking distance of Penn State Health Children's Hospital, has served countless families. Once the facility was expanded in 2010, the auction committee agreed to shift support to operations of the house, explained Amy Leonard, development director with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania. Leonard noted that the house is slowly reopening following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and that 28 bedrooms are open, along with community areas and dining facilities.
Over the years, the fundraiser has brought in more than $1 million for the cause, and Smucker is looking forward to making this year's event a success. "We are hoping people didn't forget about (the auction)," he said. "I am hoping people will come out."
Donations will be accepted until Monday, May 23. Readers who would like to donate may email aleonard@rmhc-centralpa.org or call 717-533-4001, ext. 156.
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