My Place event set for Saturday

By JEFF LAMPE
For The Weekly Post

YATES CITY – With gas prices at a record high, food costs soaring and now electricity rates doubling for some, this is a tough climate in which to seek donations.

Jody McKinty understands that, which is one reason she and other organizers of Saturday’s 19th annual My Place St. Jude Benefit have backed off on seeking donations for the popular live auction that starts at 5 p.m.

“We just didn’t go ask a bunch of people this year because we know that prices are high for everybody,” McKinty said.

Even so, there are plenty of enticing items at this year’s auction and a full slate of other activities for the all-day event that has raised $1,287,387.74 for St. Jude since it began – including $130,248.97 last year.

The total raised has increased every year, though that will be a challenge this time, McKinty said.

The event starts with a breakfast of biscuits and gravy or pancakes from 7-11 a.m. Also starting at 7 a.m. is the 5K run, which opens for registration at 6:30 a.m. Registration for the fun walk is at 8:30 with that event starting at 9.

There are also benefit rides for motorcycles (10-11 a.m. sign-in, back by 4:30 p.m.), tractors (10-11 a.m. sign-in for 10- to 12-mile drive) and side-by-sides (10-11 a.m. sign-in, back by 4:30 p.m.).

Kids carnival rides are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a bags tournament starts at noon, with sign-ins starting at 11.

The food tent opens at 11 a.m. and will be serving bratwursts, pork chops and more throughout the day.

The busy schedule culminates in the auction, handled by Folger’s Auction, and the 8 p.m. drawing for the 50-50 pot.

Among the auction items are a kid’s riding fire truck, bicycles, fire pits, Yeti coolers, grills, smokers, hand-made quilts, homemade pies and other items.

Donations are still being accepted. Call (309) 358-2003.