PRIDE Telethon auction draws to close tonight | Local

The third auction day of the Huntingdon County PRIDE Telethon gets underway at 4 p.m. today, Friday, March 17, live from the Smithfield Fire Hall, on Comcast channel 17 and online at www.huntingdonpride.org.

PRIDE board president Cady Kyle said the organization is grateful for the community’s support this year.

“The community has really come through with donations,” she said. “We really appreciate the support.”

During Wednesday’s opening night, guest auctioneers covered 21 tables before going off the air at 12:30 a.m. Thursday.

“At last count, we raised between $14,000 and $15,000,” said PRIDE director Ashley Winegardner.

“We didn’t get quite as far Wednesday night as we wanted to, but we had more specialty items and so many generous community members donated,” said Kyle.

Wednesday’s specialty items included a two-night stay at Lane’s Country Lodge, $100 monthly floral arrangements from Weaver the Florist, sofa and chair from Windy Hill Furniture and a Cub Cadet riding mower from Lakeside Landscaping.

Those who were behind the microphone Wednesday included father-daughter duo Bill Mills and Tosha Simpson, husband and wife duos Kari and Doug Tietjens, Matt and Anita Young and Heidi and Jeff Leonard and mother-daughter duo Cady and Ellie Kyle.

As of press time Thursday night, Winegardner reported the auction item total was at $25,380.

Thursday’s auctioneers included Becky Weikert Bard and Rebecca Berdar, Liza Gutshall and Robin Wilson, Mackenzie Coffman and Aylee Pheasant, Kris Harker and Christa McGeary, Mary Ann Buckley and Angela Robinson.

Thursday night’s specialty items included 24 coupons from All American Pizza and Subs, which sold for $350; a handmade Endfield Shaker Cabinet made by Walter Lawhead, which sold for $555; an entry hall bench and bookcase from J&M Country Furniture and Crafts that sold for $825; and a set of four natural wood chairs from Windy Hill Furniture that sold for $750.

Tonight, folks can bid on four Pittsburgh Pirates tickets for a July 29 game against the Phillies and and two Penguins tickets for an April 2 game against the Flyers from Sheetz at 6 p.m.; a three-day stay at Trophy Mountain Lodge that can be used for a wedding venue or as a group/family stay at 7 p.m.; a 6-foot handmade farm table and chairs from J&M Furniture at 8 p.m., a six-day, seven-night stay at Sugarbush Ski Resort from Robert and Artamarie Barclay at 9 p.m. and a 20-inch plate made by Jack Troy and donated by Gordon Shedd at 10 p.m.

Rounding out the final auction tables tonight is Jim and Carol Wenner, Jenn and Toby Mitchell, Rick and Mike Kane, Andrea and Dave Smith and Shane Peachey and Sarah Horner.

Today is Dairy Queen Blizzard Day at the Huntingdon Dairy Queen, where PRIDE will receive $1 for every small, medium or large Blizzard sold.

Kyle said Saturday, the Telethon’s final day, is shaping up to be a busy one.

“We have a ton of talent scheduled throughout the day,” she said, noting the Telethon will go on air at 1 p.m.

Registration for the PRIDE Walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the Iron Bridge in Alexandria, with the walk beginning at 10 a.m.

Kaleena Rallis, granddaughter of longtime Telethon host Ruth Reinhart, will serve as Saturday’s host.

“I’m honored and humbled to return as the host for the PRIDE Telethon Talent Day this year,” said Rallis, who will be joined by local entertainers Dan and Galla, Spencer Korman and some remarkable youth, including Huntingdon County Fair Evangeline McGargle, alternate fair queen Alyssa Horton and Addie Barnett. “We have an incredible lineup of local talent performing throughout the day, as well as a special tribute to U.S. military men and women.”

As part of the wall of honor, folks will be able to make pledges in honor of veterans and names will be read on-air during the veterans’ tribute by Dan and Galla beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Rallis hopes folks also join her for a late-night DJ pajama dance party.

All ages are welcome to put on their pajamas and come to the fire all to participate in the dance party, with prizes awarded to the top three dancers with the most pledges.

Dan and Galla will also be at the party, as well as DJ Gallifrey and more. Prizes will be sponsored by Kish Bank and Chris Woodward.

“We’ll be kicking off our party at 10:30 p.m.,” said Rallis, who ensures a good time for all. “There will be entertainment for the whole family to enjoy as we raise money to support the needs of our community.”

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