Gather your pennies and save the date. March 8 is the annual Penny Auction at the Benedum Civic Center. The event is sponsored annually by the GFWC Juniors. Funds raised – usually in the neighborhood of $1200 to $1400 – is used to provide a scholarship to a Bridgeport High School graduate and toward the organization’s ongoing community, state and national service projects.

 

Here’s how the day will play out: Around noon, doors will open to attendees, who can purchase a cup for $2.50.

 

“Our ‘regulars’ like to get there early to make sure they get a cup because we have to cut it off at some point,” said Krista Arnold, who has chaired the event in the past. “Last year, we ended up selling 325 cups. I’m not sure we’ve nailed that number down for this year.”

 

At 1 p.m., the bidding will start. Those who have purchased one of the numbered cups can bid 1 to 10 pennies by placing them in the cup. A number will be announced and the holder of that cup wins the prize.

 

The prizes will vary from gift cards to local restaurants to tickets to WVU sporting events. The Juniors encourage area businesses to get on board by donating a prize.

 

“Within the next few weeks, a member will be out visiting our standard businesses which tend to donate every year. But if someone has not donated in the past and would be interested, we can definitely use more prizes. It makes it all that much more fun because the great thing is that there are so many prizes, almost everybody ends up walking out with something,” Arnold said.

 

The organization chooses the Penny Auction as an annual fundraiser because of its popularity with the public.

 

“It’s a tradition and I just think the community really loves and supports it,” Arnold said. “We really don’t do a ton of advertising for it and we always have a full house. It’s just something fun and unique and people of all ages look forward to it.”

 

Refreshments, including pizza, candy and drinks will be available for purchase.

 

Penny Auction participants are welcome to bring their own pennies from home or cash in other change or bills, Arnold said.

 

Anyone wishing to donate prizes can contact GFWC Fundraising Chairs Anna Matheny and Clarisa Marra, who are heading up this year's Penny Auction. Contact them through the organization's Facebook page HERE.