Thank you for supporting auction

To the editor: 

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 43rd Annual Holiday Benefit Auction at the Jay County Campus of Arts Place such a wonderful success.

Our auction, held on Friday, Nov. 21, raised $20,233. These funds will support important programs such as MusicWorks, ArtWorks and Arts in the Parks, as well as exhibitions and performances at both the Jay County Campus of Arts Place and the Hudson Family Park Amphitheatre. 

I am truly grateful for the generous donors and enthusiastic bidders who made the evening so memorable. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Arts Place staff: executive director Carolyn Carducci, Jay County Campus center director Shawnda Roussey, Amanda Chaffins, Teresa Penrod, Greg Ashley and Allison Smiley. I also want to recognize our Holiday Benefit Auction Committee, including Anni McClung, Sarah Lingo, Bonnie Maitlen and Mary McCord, as well as the Arts Place Board of Directors, for their dedicated work behind the scenes. 

We are also thankful for the many businesses and individuals who added to the night’s success. Appreciation goes to Loy Auctioneering for their excellent services, and Kuhn’s Den, Mrs. P’s and Walmart for catering. We are grateful to Marie McKinley for painting a live scene of the event and Jordan Wickey and Niyah McIver for sharing their musical talents with us. I also want to thank Rob Weaver at WPGW, Bailey Cline at The Commercial Review, and groups such as the PAX Exchange Students, Jay County Wrestling Club, Jay County Civic Theatre and Alcove and Friends for their support. 

To the businesses, artists and private donors who contributed unique and creative auction items, thank you for your talent and generosity. And to our bidders, whether returning supporters or first-time attendees, your excitement and energy brought the evening to life. 

Thank you again for being an essential part of the 43rd Arts Place Holiday Benefit Auction. Your support makes a lasting difference in the arts within our community. We look forward to seeing you next year on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026. 

Thank you,

Kristen Gibson

2025 Holiday Benefit Auction Committee Chair