Santa's Helping Hands 2020 Auction Brings Over $44K Despite Smaller Crowd, Fewer Items

Move To ECHS Provided More Space, Safer Options

Auction attendees browse the items on the block at the 2020 Santa's Helping Hands charity event.

Darren Doyle, story:
The annual Santa's Helping Hands, INC. benefit auction looked quite a bit different in 2020 than in years past as the difficulties have mounted for hosting large gatherings; however, this year's event brought in an impressive $44,000 for local families who need it most.

SHH co-founder and board member Mark Wardlow said the decision was made to change locations for the first time in history for the auction to ECHS to allow better distancing and safer accommodations. While the crowd was somewhat smaller in years past and some of the higher ticket items like premium UK basketball game packages were not available, the haul for this year's event was impressive.

Mark Wardlow laughs at one of the auction team at the 2020 annual event.

"We at SHH want to send out a huge thank you to everyone that showed up for our 16th annual benefit auction," Wardlow said. "This year we were at a new location thanks to ECHS Principle Jonathan Williams and Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander. Due to the current situation, we were concerned about our crowd, but as always, the people of Edmonson County did not disappoint."

Wardlow said ECHS has agreed to allow SHH to also use the gym for their future auctions.

Social distancing was practiced and masks were worn throughout the event. Temperatures were also taken upon entry and hand sanitizer was readily available. ​

Jake Keith serves as auctioneer at the 2020 SHH auction.

Ricky Keith works as a bid caller at the 2020 SHH annual auction.

Wardlow said the annual event isn't something that's simply put together a few days beforehand, but it's something that volunteers work to achieve all year long.

"This would not be possible without all the volunteers that work tirelessly year round, all the businesses and individuals that generously donate each year, and our amazing community members that come out and bid on items that provide continuous support."  ​

Not only is SHH, INC., a non-profit organization, but also none of the board members or staff receive any type of pay and 100% of the organization's funding goes to provide assistance to Edmonson County families.