The Red Cross Souper Supper & Auction, which is always “souper,” will be even bigger and better than ever this year, according to Betsy Hollis, local chapter manager. “Our Acquistions Committee headed up by Gloria Toney has really extended themselves, and the items offered for bid this year are not only extensive but more diverse than anything we’ve had in the past.”

“This is our 11th year for what has become our biggest fund-raiser,” Hollis said. “And the wonderful part of the event [which will be at the ROC Saturday, March 10 from 4 p.m. – until] is that not only have we had generous contributions from businesses and organizations in Cherokee County, but also from resorts, parks, hotels and entertainment venues both in and outside the state of Alabama. “

One of the highlights of the live auction, which will begin at 7 p.m., are two vacation packages to Pensacola. “We have two nights’ lodging at a hotel on the beach with a gift certificate for dinner, or the winning bidder might choose to select a two night package at a downtown hotel with a tour for the Pensacola Historical District,” Hollis added.

If those choices weren’t enough, there’s a two-night stay complete with golfing privileges at Gulf Shores State Park, a vacation package for New Orleans, a day cruise on the Gulf Coast, and four one-day Park Hopper Passes to Disneyworld. In addition, Oak Mountain State Park has donated a $100 gift certificate towards any Alabama State Park stay, Lakepoint State Park offers a two-night cabin rental, and Dollywood has provided two one-day admissions.

Closer to home, Talladega Super Speedway has donated tickets for two to the Aaron’s 499 Race on April 29th and included in that package are pre-race pit passes as well as admission to the Hall of Fame Museum. Silver Lakes Golf Course has contributed a round of golf with cart, and Cherokee Country Club has put golf and cart rental fees for two foursomes up for bid.

Other day-trip outings include packages to attractions in Huntsville, complete with camping facilities on Monte Sano; Chattanooga; Atlanta, Birmingham and the Mobile area.

“If recreation isn’t your thing,” Hollis continued, “There will be great opportunities for do-it-yourself homeowners. We have five pallets of Bermuda sod from Coosa Valley Turf Farms that will be part of our live auction, a load of topsoil from McElroy Construction, and an eight-piece patio set donated by Wal-Mart. Harris Furniture and Auction has donated two gorgeous stained and leaded glass lamps for the live auction where the high bidder may take one or both for two times the money. And we have several pieces of original artwork, a beveled mirror, wrought iron and other items of home décor that will be available for bid in the silent auction."

Silent auction items include everything from minnows to beauty products to cookbooks to tools to fine china, purses, jewelry, certificates for oil changes, dog grooming, clothing, small furniture items, books, certificates for groceries, nail and hair care, restaurant meals and more.

“We are continually surprised by the generosity and creativity of our donors,” said July Sallis, chairperson of the chapter’s signature fund-raising event. Sallis who has been chairperson of the event for four years, adds, “When businesses find out that all the proceeds of our auction remain in the county to support the life-sustaining mission of the Red Cross, they are extremely supportive. Not only are their contributions tax deductible but also, they have the advantage of showcasing their products and services to the 300-plus persons who generally attend the event and perhaps picking up more than one new client or customer.”

“The big screen TV giveaway at the end of the evening is always a high point,” according to Sallis. “And this year, we’ve changed the rules so that the winner does not have to be present to win. Other prizes in the ticket stub drawing include a Red Cross weather alert radio and an American Red Cross First Aid and Disaster Survival Package for four persons. With March being Red Cross Month and our recent threats of severe weather, we felt it was entirely appropriate to give away something that was in keeping with the Red Cross mission.”

Doors open at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 10 for the silent auction. Food service will begin at 5 p.m. with the silent auction ending promptly at 6 p.m. and food service continuing until the start of the live auction at 7 p.m.

A limited number of tickets are still available at the Red Cross Chapter Office, 1470 W. Main St., Centre, for a $10 per ticket donation. Tickets include a bidding number for both silent and live auctions as well as a light supper of prize-winning soups, cornbread, dessert and beverage