Holmes County Home auction raises more than $300,000 with support from across the U.S.

Holmes County knows how to take care of its own, and apparently, so too do others who visit this area.

People from near and far flocked to the Holmes County Home Sept. 19-20 to show their support through the annual auction.

The auction brought in $275,000, up significantly from last year’s auction. Tack on the food and Friday night activities and Superintendent Deb Miller said they are looking at toppling the $300,000 barrier.

All of that goes to show the type of support this community has for the everyday effort the Holmes County Home puts into its residents.

“We actually had less items at the auction this year,” Miller said. “That just goes to show you the type of support we have from people, which is incredible.”

What makes it even more significant is not only were many locals at the auction, but also people came from all over the state and from out of state, many of them circling this date to make a return appearance year after year.

Miller said they had buyers from Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia, New York, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, Maryland and Louisiana.

“We can’t say enough how much we appreciate those people who plan their trips around our event,” Miller said. “I don’t even know how someone from Florida or Maryland hears about our event.”

She does know that once people come, they are more than likely to return because of the sheer volume and quality of donated items at the auction, from hand-stitched quilts to hardwood dining room sets, outdoor furniture and more.

One such couple was Tim and Roxanne Cool from Clinton, Ohio, who have made a habit of attending the auction the past dozen years or so.

“We always say we come for the food and always leave with plenty of purchases,” Roxanne Cool said.

Like many people, they attended once and became hooked and have purchased some big-ticket items over the years, from a gazebo to patio furniture, quilts, and this year a dining room table and chair set.

Tim Cool said they have family in this area, and when they realized what the Holmes County Home means to this community, they fell in love with not only finding great items to purchase, but also supporting the home.

“We’ve met a lot of really great people here,” Tim Cool said. “We tend to try to save up so we can spend here.”

This year’s event also included a horseback riding day at the Inn at Honey Run Orchard that saw five dozen riders enjoy a day on the trail and lunch together.

Miller said the auction committee’s willingness to try new things only adds to the drawing power.

All the funds brought in will provide a better quality of life for the Holmes County Home residents.

Miller said not having to worry about federal or state funding to provide residents with the amenities and services they deserve is encouraging. Creating a family environment is important to both residents and caregivers, and the Holmes County Home Auxiliary is a big part of building up that family experience.

“We are very fortunate to be blessed with an incredible staff of people who truly care about the well-being of each of our residents,” Miller said. “They truly understand our mission, and they love this community and the people here.”

She said the same type of compassion and care comes from the entire community, which has helped solidify the purpose the Holmes County Home is known for — that being becoming a second family to each resident.

“I always tell people when they visit that if they have someone stay here, they are going to inherit about 30 new, crazy cousins into their family,” Miller said, alluding to the staff members. “Plus, it isn’t just the staff, but the other residents who build these wonderful relationships together.

“There’s something about stepping into this building that people get a sense of home and comfort, and that’s why we are here.”

From the staff to the auxiliary and countless volunteers, Miller said this weekend and the auction continue to leave her with a sense of awe and gratitude as each year they give of themselves to make the event bigger and better.