Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale creates matching fund

One thing that continues to inspire the board members of the Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale in its effort to raise funds for Mennonite Central Committee is the community continuing to throw its support behind the effort.

This year the event will take place July 11-12 at the Mt. Hope Event Center, and with it being a special 60th anniversary, there will be plenty of events including the annual auction, silent auction, food and more. Most certainly, the community will turn out to show its support.

However, one inspiring newcomer will join the list of fundraisers this year, and it is courtesy of a trio of local companies that have stepped up to prove this community understands the power of giving to others.

The three companies — Keim, Dutchman Hospitality and one that wishes to remain anonymous — have each donated $20,000, bringing the total of gifted funds to $60,000. On the evening of Friday, July 11, auctioneer Eli Troyer will entice the public to join the effort by matching the funds gifted by the three local companies.

“One of the things we strive to do is to encourage people to come to the event and get people getting engaged and involved in the effort to reach out into the world to provide aid, peace and hope,” said Mike Palmer, OMRS board co-president. “In honor of our 60th anniversary, we have had these three companies agree to create these matching funds.”

Another inspirational act coming from area businesses is some are connecting with area churches and giving sizable donations to the My Coins Count effort, which raises funds for providing clean and sustainable water around the world.

“It’s really neat to see all of these area businesses stepping up and giving so selflessly,” Palmer said. “Their generosity is amazing.”

Palmer went on to talk about how many people in this community have been blessed, and the funds being matched will go to individuals, families and communities around the world where things that are often taken for granted by many are blessings of life to those in need.

Should those who would like to contribute to the matching fund be unable to make it to Mt. Hope for the weekend festivities, they can still give by sending a check to Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale, P.O. Box 62, Kidron, OH 44636. Make sure to right “OMRS Matching Funds” on the memo line.

Donations may be sent in from now to the day of the auction.

Palmer said MCC continues to move throughout the world, partnering with many other organizations to provide food, water, education, sustainable ways to create jobs, goods and hope. He said it all stems from a commitment to serving as Christ served.

“Jesus’ mission was to reach out and do, to be a light and to serve others, and we have all been called to that higher purpose,” Palmer said. “These matching funds provide us with a chance to do just that.”

Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale also offers plenty of other opportunities to both purchase items and give, aside from the annual auction, which will take place Saturday, July 12.

Friday evening will include the Raffle for Relief with great prizes and a 50-50 drawing. At 6 p.m. there will be a lineup of entertainment, featuring Ryan & Friends, John Schmid, County Line Band and radio host Mark Zimmerman, as well as the fan-favorite volleyball tournament.

Saturday will begin with a huge breakfast at 7 a.m., along with the 5k Fun Run. There will be an artisan’s market, plants, used books, a Fair-trade World Crafts area, home-baked goods, Quilter’s Corner and plenty of food available throughout the day, with the enormous gift card silent auction board, a children’s auction and the main auction starting at 9 a.m., also available online.

The relief sale is supported by more than 100 churches across Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information or to sign up for the online auction, visit www.ohiomccreliefsale.org.