Lions Club Auction raises nearly $24,000
The Gainesville Lions Club Auction was held at GHS Friday, April 18.
Others helping included, from left: Kerrie Zubrod, Chris Harlin, Pat Funk, Michael Wooten and Paul Wade. Photos courtesy of Missy Grisham.
Eric King, owner of local business Eric King Auctions LLC, served as this year’s auctioneer for the 2025 Gainesville Lions Club Auction, held April 18.
This year’s Gainesville Lions Club Auction, held Friday, April 18, brought in nearly $24,000. The total amount includes money raised in the silent and live auctions, the sportsman’s raffle and includes almost $2,000 in cash donations that were given at the event. Eric King donated his time again this year, serving as the event auctioneer.
The highest dollar earning single item sold was a MAGA hat signed by President Donald Trump, donated by Chris and Missy Harlin of Gainesville and won by Gainesville resident Cooper Friend with a bid of $600.
A serious bidding war broke out for three pans of Gainesville resident Melinda Abraham’s famous cinnamon rolls, which raised $1,340 in total. One pan sold to high bidder Roger Wietzke for $275; another pan sold to Chris Harlin for $525; and the third went for $300 to Wietzke again - who donated them back to be raffled a second time. A $240 bid from Loren Hillhouse secured the buns.
Also nearing the top of the earning list was a custom designed knife and sheath donated by Bobby Walker of Devil’s Backbone Knives in Dora, which sold to Dora resident Jackie Smith with a bid of $550.
The Lions Club contributes a portion of the proceeds to the summer baseball, softball and t-ball program. Other funds are used for various community causes and efforts including the Lions Club/H.T. Harlin Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a graduating senior.