The annual Mennonite Charity Auction was today...

[Padraig18]

We live in that part of Illinois where both the Amish and Mennonite cultures are most heavily represented. Every year, the Mennonite Relief Association holds an auction of donated Amish- and Mennonite-made goods to raise money for it's year-round charity and assistance progams; 90% of all the money raised is used locally, and I can attest that these wonderful people are major supporters of our local food bank, Civic Association grant program (utilities/rent/medicine grants), children's after-school programs, summer youth baseball program--- well, you get the idea.

This year's auction raised $158,437, a new record. It is gratifying to live in a community that is so compassionate, and I am honored to call my Mennonite brethren 'brothers and sisters in Christ'!

Merry Christmas to them, and to you!

:)