Lions Club Auction raises $25,000 for summer ball, other programs
photos submitted by Kerrie Zubrod Jerry Crownover, closest to the camera, helps auction off various items at the Gainesville Lions Club Auction. There was a good crowd for this year’s Gainesville Lions Club Auction, which raised $25,000 to be used for the Gainesville summer ball league and other community charities and efforts.
Last year was a record-breaking year for the annual Gainesville Lions Club Auction, which brought in $25,000, and this year the auction matched that total amount.
The money made at the annual fundraiser, now in its 37th year, rang in $2,000 more than 2022 when $23,000 was raised. The total amount includes money raised in silent and live auctions, the sportsman’s raffle and through cash donations at the event.
The highest bid item at this year’s auction was a baseball bat signed by Lou Brock, former St. Louis Cardinals player. The bat went for $900.
The Lions Club contributes a large portion of the event’s proceeds to the summer baseball, softball and t-ball program, which is now managed by the Gainesville School District. Other donations are made to various community causes and efforts.
The Lions Club also offers a Lions Club/H.T. Harlin Memorial Scholarship each year to a graduating senior.