CLEARFIELD – A once dream was again realized at the 14th annual Anne S. Thacik Charity Auction.
“She saw a need to help the elderly,” said John Kordish, executive director of the Clearfield County ‘Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Kordish thanked those who came out as part of their mission to do the same. He said the turn out was absolutely stellar, noting the event grows larger each year. He said this year’s attendance topped those from past years.
“I think it’s just indicative of the citizens of Clearfield County. They’re just a giving group,” he said.
“It’s truly neighbors helping neighbors because regardless of the weather and economy people are still here.”
He said that he was amazed by the generosity of local businesses, organizations and citizens. He said they saw the opportunity to invest locally and realized that the elderly would benefit.
Rikki Ross, marketing and event coordinator, noted that both the charity bingo and treasure chest games sold out of tickets completely.
Ross said that 100 keys were sold for the treasure chest game. She said the game’s prizes included a Global Positioning System (GPS), a digital picture frame and a touch screen MP3 player.
She said that 100 squares were also sold for the charity bingo game. She said its “big prize” was a personal Acer notebook.
During the live auction, attendees vied for items, such as trip/tour packages, sports tickets and memorabilia and a jewelry box bonanza.
Auctioneer Pat Errigo encouraged bidders not to “chicken out.”
“C’mon, we’re not hitting any numbers. We’re not hitting any goals. We need the money,” he belted out.
Last year, Ross said the CCAAA collected a total of $29,000 with their net earnings around $23,000.
She said that this year, the amount of donations from local businesses and individuals were tremendous. She said they had received at least 200 individual donations for the event.
As a result, Ross said that they hoped to match or exceed the previous year’s proceeds. She said that it is wonderful to see the amount of support for seniors.
“It benefits so many,” she said. She said they currently do not have a major project under way or in the works. She said they would use a portion of the event’s proceeds for a hot top oven in a “Meals on Wheels” van.
She said that the oven would keep meals to be delivered at a consistent temperature regardless of the length of drive. She said that they have some routes that are 45 miles one way.
Jennifer Hoover, who is the granddaughter of Thacik, said on her way to the event, she recalled that her “Nanna” was always a thinker. But she said Thacik would have never imagined the growth of the charity auction event that is named in her honor.
“Nanna would be so proud. We are so proud and thank you so much,” Hoover said.
Thacik was a “dear friend” of the Area Agency on Aging, according to the event program. It stated that she was a “strong advocate” for senior citizens, not only in Clearfield County, but also across Pennsylvania.
Thacik was the former director of the Clearfield County RSVP; member of the CCAAA Advisory Council; past president and vice president of the CCAAA Governing Board; and past president of the Northwest Regional Council on Aging. She was also a member of the Department of Aging seven-member task force on rural elderly and a member of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging.
