In the 2020 Virtual Auction, Choctaw beaded Christmas ornaments, a Thanksgiving wreath, and a handmade table attracted the most bids while the Camp Quilt and the Southern Sampler Quilt brought in the biggest bids.
by: Matthew Graybill
“You have been outbid!” Eighty-five registered bidders received this text message or email a total of 408 times at the first virtual Camp Sale event, October 3-7. Each bid represented a statement of affirmation for the ministry of camp as well as appreciation for the many handmade items for sale. Like you, we were disappointed we could not gather to share in a bowl of gumbo or warm donut. The loss of working together, fellowshipping, and seeing old friends was echoed by many within the Pine Lake community.
Not to be defeated, PLFC supporters responded to the virtual auction with high levels of engagement and enthusiasm. Because the virtual auction could be accessed from anywhere, several folks across the United States & Canada were able to bid and win items as well. Many bidders dove deep into the competition for coveted handmade and unique items. Perhaps you watched with your mouth open as the Choctaw beaded Christmas ornaments (from Nanih Waiya Indian Mennonite Church) racked up 23 total bids and sold for $500 or as the wooden step stool (by Duane Maust) shot up to $240! The Camp Quilt ($1,150) and the Southern Sampler Quilt ($875) received the two highest bids.
A deep sense of gratitude sits with me as I think about the event as a whole. It was both humbling and thrilling to witness your level of involvement in the new format as well as in the communities that sold baked goods (Meridian), BBQ plates (Jackson), and gumbo & jambalaya (Gulfport), or held a craft & bake sale (Des Allemands) to benefit Camp Sale. Resilient and faithful, Pine Lake supporters still found ways to come together to care for camp. Pine Lake is blessed with a committed community that engages with and promotes this ministry. So we say, “THANK YOU” to each person who contributed items, bid, won, or donated to this year’s sale. You make camp a special place for each person to grow closer to God, nature, and each other.
