The Crookston United Way wrapped up their online auction fundraiser on Sunday, November 15, and after counting all the bids and donations, they brought in $5,602 to go towards this year’s campaign.
The online auction was made possible through a connection Crookston United Way Board member Eric Morgan had with former University of Minnesota Crookston student Mitch Allore. “He does this for a living,” said Crookston United Way Board chair Nell DeBoer. “He talked to us about this auction site and let us use his account and didn’t charge us for it. He also added his stuff on the site, so it was pretty awesome.”
Many people chipped in to make the online auction a success and bring in over $5,600. “We were delighted. We didn’t know what to set the goal at and thought $5,000 was really, really high, so we were thrilled this morning when we found out our numbers,” said DeBoer. “All the businesses, the United Way staff and of course board members, particularly Jess Bengtson, Eric Morgan, Lori (Wagner), Becky (Cymbaluk), and myself, this was our baby. It was our first time doing it, and it turned out fantastic, so we were thrilled with it.”
Anybody that knows Lori Wagner, Nell DeBoer, Jess Bengtson, and others involved with the Crookston United Way knows they don’t rest, and they have another big promotion this week. The Crookston United Way is hosting the annual Dine-In week at participating Crookston businesses. The participating businesses are Draft’s Sports Bar and Grill, Scobey’s Pub and Grub at the Crookston Inn, Mugoo’s Pizza/I.C. Muggs, McDonald’s, Irishman’s Shanty, Hong’s Chinese Restaurant, and the Snow Sled Inn in Gentilly. “Everything came all at once, so it has been a little high stress, but we will get through it, and it is well worth it. This COVID thing has changed how we do all of our stuff and when things come and present themselves, we want to jump on it and take it because we are still committed to raising our $160,000 for our agencies,” said DeBoer. “You can dine in at all of them, you can drive through at some, and curbside pickup too. Everybody has been great because they still believe in what we are doing for the United Way and raising money for people that need it the most right now. We are super lucky and thankful to be in Crookston…..what a great community.”
If you would like to donate to the Crookston United Way, you can send it to the following address –
Crookston United Way
510 County Road 71
Crookston, MN 56716
If you were a top bidder in the auction, information on how to get your item is below –
items:
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IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Your item must be paid for on the 32 Auctions website, you should get an email with your winning bid and instructions of how to pay for the item
2. Call ahead to schedule a pick up time for your item, 218-281-1715. This way your item will be ready and minimal contact can be made.
2. We have a part time staff and we want to keep them and you safe. Please make sure that you are wearing your mask when you pick up your item. The items can be picked up at the Valley Technology building; 510 County Road 71, Crookston MN (close to UMC)
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This week:
Monday 10am-3pm
Tuesday 10am-3pm
Wednesday 10am-3pm
If you cannot pick your item during these times, please call for an alternate time or day.
