Minden St. Jude Auction is well underway

Organizers of the 2013 Minden St. Jude Auction are proud of their fundraiser, which is a top earner for the research hospital. However, the auction shows more than the town's knack for events. It represents the community's strong bonds.

"We all just feel a real personal connection with the hospital and the folks that we know that had to go," organizer Laura Hollingsworth said. "This is really the only way we can do anything to help these kids and their families."

Hollingsworth says that help will come in the form of donations, auction sales, raffles sales, and a much more. Visitors are hoping to get their hands on big ticket items, like go-carts or a playhouse. All proceeds from sales will benefit St. Jude Hospital. Hollingsworth says they hope to match or top last year's earnings.

"We really don't know what to expect to raise, but last year we raised over a million dollars," she said. "So, we are thrilled."

Thrilled because those earnings made Minden the nation's top earner.

"For their population, for the amount of money they raise, it's the most across the country, which just speaks such volumes for this community and how much they rallied in their support for St. Jude," a hospital spokesperson said.

The Minden St. Jude Auction has been going strong for more than 30 years. It ends Sunday at the Minden Civic Center. The event starts at 11 am. Visit their website for more information.