Chamber auction goes online for annual fundraiser dinner

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for its annual Dinner and Auction on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Floyd County Fairgrounds.

“It’s open to the public, not just chamber members,” said Chamber Director Mark Wicks. “Everybody is welcome to come and enjoy the meal.”

Starting at 5:30 p.m., ticket holders will enjoy a social hour before dinner and are encouraged to dress up in their favorite fashions from years-gone-by in the “Dress Your Best Decade” costume contest.

Evening entertainment will be provided by stage hypnotist Tom Roth, who will bring up volunteers for a variety of routines.

Serving as a fundraiser for the Chamber, there will be the usual live auction during the dinner, however this year’s silent auction is a bit different this year. Instead of a silent auction on-site, the Chamber has put the auction online through Cedar Valley Auction Co.

With 31 lots open featuring a range of packages donated by chamber members, people will be able to bid on artwork prints, gift certificates, insulated tumblers and more.

“Anybody can go online and bid,” said Wicks. “There are some neat items that are on there.”

Funds raised from the dinner and auction will go toward supporting the Chamber’s activities and day-to-day operations, from community events to connecting businesses with various resources.

“Auctions like this allow non-profits to continue to provide benefits and services to the community,” said Wicks. “Their support is appreciated and needed.”