Gathered around the grand prize winner’s choice for her prize of the 2014 Ford Escape from the North Webster Community Center Charity Auction & Raffle are, in front from left, Leon Bazzoni, North Manchester, third prize winner; NWCC President Dennis Wagoner; John Moore, Warsaw, second prize winner, Tracy Roberts, Warsaw, first prize winner and Al Abrams, auction chairman. In back are NWCC Treasurer Janet Miller and Director of Operations Erin Smith.

NORTH WEBSTER — The dust has finally settled from the seventh annual Heart of the Community Charity Auction & Raffle, which took place Saturday evening, Oct. 3, at North Webster Community Center.

“While it takes approximately $340,000 a year to operate the NWCC, we are pleased to announce that this year’s auction netted approximately 25 percent of our annual revenues,” stated Erin Smith, director of operations for the 11 year old facility. “This was a record year for the event and we are thrilled with the incredible support from the community and surrounding areas.”

The amount works out to approximately $85,000. Close to 1,500 tickets were sold. The population of North Webster is just under 1,200 people.

The 2015 event, chaired by Al Abrams, NWCC chose to give back by helping raise money for another agency that does great things for the community. A stand-up paddle board, donated by Bart’s Water Sports, raised $1,250 during the auction and those funds are being donated to the North Webster Food Pantry.

President of the Food Pantry Lori Mark said, “I am always amazed at just how giving this community is! Our thanks to the North Webster Community Center and to Bart’s for their generous donation to The North Webster Food Pantry. This donation will help us continue to fulfill the needs of those less fortunate in our community.”

Tracy Roberts, Warsaw, was the big winner of the night. While she wasn’t in attendance, auctioneer Brian Wuthrich, Hahn Auctioneers, was able to reach her by phone to congratulate her and learn which of the four items she wanted.

Roberts selected the 2014 Ford Escape purchased from The Car Company. She noted, “It was a close race with the pontoon but I am glad to have settled on the car. What a surprise to win!”

John Moore, Warsaw, won second place, a weekly supply of groceries donated by NewMarket, and Leon Bazzoni, North Manchester, won third place, gas cards for a year donated by Freedom Express.

The Cake Lady and staff provided another crowd-pleasing meal. “They had everything running smoothly and I don’t think anyone left hungry,” said Smith.

The Sleepy Owl provided the bar service and offered a specialty frozen drink called “The Owl” as well as a craft beer selection this year. Local Boy Scout Troop 726 helped by selling soft drinks and water.

Preparations for 2016 are underway. The date will be Saturday, Oct. 1.