By Lance Winfield
The dessert auction is an event that takes place yearly at the November Ophir 4-H meeting. The latest one took place on November 3, 2015. What happens is that an auction takes place to sell homemade treats. The treats sold at the auction had to be homemade and not bought from a store. This would give the buyer a unique and high quality item. The money from the auction is used to benefit the clubs' projects for the year. Sometimes the money can be used to help the club out with its financial needs as well. I am proud to report that Ophir 4-H Club has raised approximately $5,000 from the auction this year.
In addition to homemade treats we have a silent auction gift basket. These baskets are usually donated by businesses and generous people in the Placer community. The gift baskets had very interesting themes at the auction. I can remember ones like movie night, massage, and a shotgun shell wreath. Before the auction starts the kids have to sign a paper to register their desserts. We had gluten and nut free desserts. After that the 4-H member was given a number to show their position in the auction and display their desserts.
Next, our professional auctioneer David Chaddock, starts the auction. Most of our desserts were sold at about $70 to $100 at the auction. One members' dessert sold for near $300 because with the dessert the person would get a Yorkshire piglet too. So far the dessert auction in my opinion is a very fun experience for the club members, families and the community. I am in a lot of 4-H projects in Ophir 4-H Club, so it makes me feel happy that so many people support the 4-H projects. The money will go to help all of us kids and our leaders.