2009 RELIEF SALE REVIEW

Despite concerns about the economy of Michigan and some brief rain showers during the final part of the auction, the 43rd annual Northern Michigan Relief Sale was a wonderful event.  The activities on July 31 and August 1 resulted in an increase of about $9,000 over the total receipts from the event last year.  Twelve of the various areas of the sale reported significant increases in receipts, with the Quilt Auction leading the way with an increase of almost $7,000 above last year's total.  After all remaining expenses and final donations are accounted for, we expect to send more than $110,000 to Mennonite Central Committee for relief and development work around the world and in North America.

Energy was in the air starting as early as Thursday, when the number of campers in RV's and tents nearly reached the total number of campers last year.  With Friday and Saturday arrivals still to consider, it was clear that God had been moving in the plans of people to come to sale, with many attending for the first time.  They said the Relief Sale is an ideal destination for a near-home vacation

The Friday evening concert by Les, Gwen and Sadie Gustafson-Zook of Indiana, and Mark and Andrea Forester of Flint was appreciated along with the bean soup supper by a crowd of over 1,000 people.  One highlight between the two music sets was a special hair cut given to the "winner" of the Penny Power contest at the Riverside Mennonite Church near AuGres.  Another highlight from Friday was the display and voting on the "Color Challenge" wall hangings.  Each of the challenge wall hangings was a work of art and amazing examples of what sixteen different quilters can do when they start with the same five fabrics.

Weather is always a concern, however, set-up was completed prior to the big downpour on Thursday evening, and the rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the campers, and workers preparing for the sale.  Even the showers on Saturday afternoon did prevent determined bidders and donors from participating.

The highest selling quilt of the auction was sold for $3,200, with the winning bidder sitting under an umbrella.  Five quilts brought in bids between $1,000 and $2,000, and six brought in winning bids over $2,000, many of which sold during the afternoon rain.

The determined generosity of the attendees was also apparent during the Blessing Bids, when people raised their bidder numbers and donated over $9,000.  Perhaps the name should be changed to "Showers of Blessings"  The traveling  "Food Basket" quilt, brought in $1,700 in donations during the morning, plus approximately $3,000 was raised in "Penny Power" donations.

Once again, the results show that this is not our sale.  Our job is to put on the event, and God will bring the generous people to provide the results that He desires.  We can only stand back and marvel at the way everything works out to His Glory.  As the last auction item was sold and the end announced, the skies broke open with a real deluge, giving everyone just enough time to get under some shelter before getting soaked.  No one can say God lacks a sense of humor.