VERGENNES — The annual Vergennes Lions Charity Auction, normally held in July, has been cancelled for this year. Chair Jim McClay said club members did not feel right going to businesses, many of whom are struggling to survive due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to solicit donations. It is indeed a tremendous hit to the club as it normally earns about $7,500 to $9,000 of its annual $30,000 budget from the auction, and will limit what they are able to pass on to worthy local organizations.
Any individuals, businesses or organizations that would still be willing to donate gift cards, merchandise or cash donations, may still do so. Twenty-five percent of the cash donations will be used to purchase gift cards at another business in the community of the donor, which can be specified by the donor. Donations of gift cards or merchandise will be accumulated for an online auction to be held at a time in the fall to be announced later. Purchase of the gift cards prior to the online auction will be permitted at 110% of face value.

As in all Lions Club fundraisers, every penny raised goes back into the community to help those in need, whether it is for eyeglasses, hearing aids, accessible ramps, local food shelves, or assistance to other organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vergennes, rescue squad, library, homeless shelters, and more. Lion McClay said, “The community helps the Lions so we can help othersinneed,fulfillingourmotto, ‘We Serve’.”
The other major fundraiser is the Annual Vehicle Raffle, which is normally done in the spring and the winner drawn at the Memorial Day Parade event. This year, the club is raffling off a 1996 Ford Mustang V-8 convertible with only 65,500 miles. Second prize will be BBQ for 15 people provided by Porky’s Backyard BBQ, and third prize will be a pie every month for one year provided by Ferrisburgh Bake Shop & Deli.

Tickets are $30 each and available through any Vergennes Lions Club member; by calling Paul Bessette (349-7141); Tom Brigan (877-6850); Debbie Brace (324-1758); Bruce Bushey (355- 1969); Ron Childers (363-9596); Mark Delisle (877-3423); or Gary Russell (236-6508); or by sending a ticket request to Vergennes Lions, P O Box 94, Vergennes, VT 05491. This fundraiser normally raises close to $9,000 toward the annualbudget,whichhelpsserve community needs. The drawing will be held after all the tickets are sold or on Oct. 15.
The cancellation of the Memorial Day events and Vergennes Day chicken barbeque have seriously impacted what the club normally does to serve the greater Vergennes area. The club is hoping these two fundraisers can provide the funds needed to carry on its work.