What started from humble beginnings has turned into one of the biggest annual events in Southern Minnesota.
It’s time again for the Geneva Cancer Auction, which runs for consecutive weekends starting Jan. 10 at Geneva Bar & Grill.
The auction started in 1985 with several family members and friends who wanted to raise money to fight cancer. Several of them had experienced losses of loved ones to the disease. That first year they raised $5,500. Word spread quickly and every year since the auction has grown by leaps and bounds. Hundreds of items, some of them quite unique, have been donated for the auction block.
The cancer committee also hosts a raffle. This year raffle prizes are as follows: $1,000, $500, $400, $300, $200 and $100. Cost is $5 per ticket. The drawing is Jan. 15 at 10 p.m. and you need not be present to win.
Besides the two-weekend auction, there are several other events held year round which contribute to the yearly total. The largest is the Wild Game Feed held every December. The total raised from the feed will be announced at the auction this year. Other events have included pool tournaments, a motorcycle run, car cruise and golf tournament.
The 39th Annual Geneva Cancer Auction will be held on Friday and Saturday, January 7 and 8, and again on the 14th and 15th. Geneva Bar & Grill will host the event starting at 7 p.m. on Fridays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Donations are still being accepted at Geneva Bar & Grill or by mail to P.O. Box 64, Geneva, MN 56035. For additional information call (507) 256-7278.