Jerry Rhodes, left, was chosen as the very first North Webster Community Center Volunteer of the Year. Jon Sroufe presented the award at the auction.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Center has wrapped up the 2016 Heart of the Community Charity Auction and Raffle.

The event raised $65,000 which, unfortunately, is dramatically lower than years past. However, the silent auction portion of the event had a record breaking evening.

“While I would like to be able to pinpoint a specific cause for the overall shortfall this year, I believe several factors were at play. We are already addressing these in hopes of having a stronger outcome in 2017,” said Erin Smith, NWCC director of operations.

Proceeds from the event help defray operational expenses and building maintenance costs incurred by the center. A few maintenance projects will have to wait until additional funds can be raised.

Dennis Wagoner, president of the board of directors, said “We want to thank all who participated in the North Webster Community Center Auction. This year was under what we wanted, but we are grateful for those who bought tickets, joined in the fun at the auction, and helped us raise what we did.”

In an attempt to raise the additional needed funds, NWCC will be hosting its first spring Cinco de Mayo fundraising event from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 5. It will be held outside on the basketball courts, weather permitting with music, food, raffles, margaritas and more.

At the 2016 auction Jerry Rhodes was awarded the very first Volunteer of the Year Award. He is an important member of the community center family and all involved are grateful he has chosen NWCC to be the recipient of his time and talent. Rhodes volunteers many hours to help the center with the auction as well as the January Walk-a-thon besides other projects.

NWCC is a non-profit organization receiving no tax dollars and operates entirely on grants, rental income and the goodwill of the citizens of Kosciusko County. All donations are tax deductible. To make a tax deductible before the end of the year, please mail the charitable contribution to North Webster Community Center, PO Box 379, North Webster, IN 46555