Spring Dinner/Auction Debut

The Mendenhall Flying Lions had their debut Spring Dinner and Auction Saturday night.  Did you join us?

Some of us got to the church at 8:00 a.m. to start prepping.  Here Lion Mike Norton is getting our bidding plates ready:

The proceeds from this event will benefit the American Diabetes Association and other community projects. 100 percent of the funds we made will go back to the community, so if you donated an item, came to dinner, or bought an auction item, we thank you!  

Here Lion Becky is hard at work getting the bidding sheets ready:  

We had a couple special desserts that Shannon West and Michelle Vuille contributed to the cause.  They are known for their exceptional baking talents and creativeness!  I have to say that the two items that went over the value of the item went to these two items!  A special thank you to Shannon and Michelle!  

Lions Mike A. and Soapy are trying to figure out how best to showcase the items:

It takes a lot of work to put an auction of this size together.  We had 88 items up for auction:  

We were up against a lot of other activities going on Saturday but in the end we still did well.  Right now we're trying to find our mix of what's going to work....  Over the last 17 years we had our barbecue and auction at a local bar.... you know... where everyone knew your name.... But the bar got sold and now we're trying to find a new home and a new mix for our largest fundraiser.  It's tough starting over....  But we will get our footing again.  

Chef Felipe Ogoy and a few of his boys hard at work.  If you ever get a chance to dine at the Pacific Island Grill or taste some of his home cooking or need a great Chef for your event.... Chef Felipe is the one to contact!  

Nonetheless, we had fun!  The food -- prepared by Chef Felipe Ogoy and his crew -- was EXCEPTIONAL!  

The tables were all set.  Dinner was ready.  And we were hungry!

People came.... and even a Leader Dog.

 Our crew at the front table (Rachel, Cari, and Lion Mike Allison):

Lion Neil Atkinson did a great job as auctioneer:

Jill, Lion Soapy's wife, did  great Vanna White interpretation!

All in all it was a great evening and a good time.  We worked hard getting donations, advertising, and making it the best evening for you, our guests.  A huge THANKS to the Lions that participated in one way or another to help make this a successful event.  We hope you had a good time and will continue to support the Lions whether it's our club or another club in town or around the state or down South.  Thank you.

We Serve!

Lion Nancy