Bulletin Board Auction now under way at Millsop Center

WEIRTON -- An annual holiday fundraiser has made its return to the Millsop Community Center.

The 18th-annual Christmas Bulletin Board Benefit Auction is live, with approximately 125 items donated by area businesses and up for grabs.

"In this strange year, we need something positive to happen and we're hoping this is it," Park Board Executive Director Coty Shingle said. "In this COVID era of operation, any time there's an event coming up that we're used to doing we have to stop and think about the positives and negatives of the situation and devise a plan to keep it safe. So, there are some safety guidelines that must be followed, but we're happy to be able to hold the auction."

Residents interested in placing bids on items may review the bulletin boards currently located in the lower hallway of the Millsop Community Center. Bids will be placed through slips located at the customer service desk. Bids will be accepted through 6 p.m., Dec. 16.

Following the regular auction period, a live auction will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 16 in the gymnasium of the Millsop Community Center.

Masks will be required in order to enter the community center, and to take part in the live auction process. Social distancing guidelines also will be observed.

Some of the items up for bid this year include gift certificates from area restaurants, oil changes, Steelers custom fine art prints, Bath and Body Works gift set, car wash buckets, $100 Visa gift card, 2021 golf pass and overnight stays at area hotels.

"We want to thank all of the businesses who support us each year," Program Director Chris Krishak said.

An extra note of thanks, according to Krishak, goes to Starvaggi Charities, which provided a cash donation to assist in the purchase of additional gift cards to include in the auction.

The Park Board has experienced operational losses of more than $100,000 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Shingle, and officials are hoping the annual auction will provide some assistance. All proceeds from the auction benefit Weirton parks and recreation programs.

"This auction is always in our top two fundraisers throughout the course of the year," Shingle said. "How will COVID affect this year's auction? Well, we honestly don't know, but we were pleasantly surprised by the success of the Marland Heights 5K and we're hoping this is a pleasant surprise too. The business community has always gotten behind this event and supported it tremendously, and in this tough year for all businesses, they've been more generous than ever so we're thrilled by their support and very excited about the auction."

For more information about the auction, or other parks programs, contact the Millsop Community Center at (304) 797-8520.