Upcoming 20th Annual Santa's Helping Hands 2024 Auction

Darren Doyle, story:
The 20th annual Santa's Helping Hands benefit auction is set for Saturday, November 2nd in the Edmonson County High School gym at 12 noon.

SHH co-founder and board member Mark Wardlow expects this to be the biggest event ever.

"I don't know how it keeps growing, but we've seen amazing support for what we're doing here in Edmonson County over the years. I can't believe it's been 20 years, but we're helping more of our local people than ever," he said.

Donations for this year's auction have been pouring in all year long. There will literally be something there for everyone, Wardlow said, with some very rare items.

"Our UK basketball ticket packages are always popular, but we have an incredible selection of authentic merchandise available that is hard to find anywhere else."

Those items include autographed memorabilia from Larry Bird, Peyton Manning, Emmet Smith, Chevy Chase, Pete Rose, Jeff Gordon, and even Taylor Swift, to name only a few.

In addition to the high-profile items are also household goods, camping and outdoor gear, power tools, high-end coolers, furniture, luggage, Case knives, and more.

Vacation packages will also be up for grabs along with homemade cakes, pies, and other desserts from the best local bakers around.

All proceeds go to Edmonson County families that have needs. The charity used to be used to aid during the holidays, however, SHH now helps with causes all year round, including fire victims, medical emergencies, and all sorts of children-based help throughout the county.

The organization has no paid employees and they do not use raised funds for business meetings, lunches, etc. 100% of their proceeds go back to the people of Edmonson County. 

Last year's auction saw nearly $90K raised in only a few hours. The possibilities of reaching the six-figure mark this year are very real.

"We are grateful for everything that has been done to help our organization over the years," Wardlow said. "That help is much needed in our community and we are thankful we can still do it."