CLEARFIELD – The Anne S. Thacik Charity Auction, benefiting the Friends of the Area Agency on Aging held its 22nd gala event last night with a new organizer at the helm.
Proceeds from the night, which included a live auction, silent auction and other prize games, are used to support the programs and services offered by Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging.
The Friends of the Area Agency on Aging was formed in order to support and promoted CCAAA as well as Mature Resources Foundation, and they are always welcoming members to join and support the activities of CCAAA.
The namesake of the charity auction, Anne S. Thacik, was known as an advocate for senior citizens across the commonwealth and was instrumental in forming the Friends and started the auction, originally known as Wreaths for Reasons & Seasons. From the start, Auctioneer Pat Errigo was there to help.
Now the auction is held in her memory and to honor her efforts, and the efforts of others, to help the senior citizens of Clearfield County.
Chief Executive Officer Kathy Gillespie thanked everyone for their attendance and support, and especially the sponsors and volunteers who make the auction possible and Terry Khoury, who is the new organizer this year and is also coordinator of Mission Advancement & Public Relations and Staff Liaison to the Auxiliary.
She also described a typical person helped by CCAAA. She is a widow, about 79 years old, with an income between $9,000-12,000 per year. She has multiple medical problems and is unable to drive or prepare meals for herself.
Many friends and family have died, and she fears being a burden on her children. Her great joy is in remembering the past and family and friends, and she loves having someone to come and listen to her stories.
She greatly appreciates the meals delivered by Meals on Wheels and the other services provided by CCAAA.
Some of the many items sold last night included tickets to Penn State, Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers games, paintings, craft items, jewelry, autographed items by sports stars and musicians, Avon and Mary Kay baskets, coffee baskets and a play house for a cat (or two!).
As always, Starr Hill Winery offered an opportunity to create your own wine, which includes naming the wine and designing the label. A portion of the proceeds of the wine sold in the next year are donated to the auxiliary. This year, the opportunity was auctioned off for $550.
Those interested in donating items for next year’s auction, or becoming an active or social member of the auxiliary can contact CCAAA at 814-765-2696 or 1-800-225-8571.