Higher Hopes auction now in its 11th year
WARSAW – Higher Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center will be having their 11th annual auction Saturday, Dec. 8 at the River View High School. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the auction begins at 5 p.m.
Such a wide array of items have been donated to the auction this year, everything from Annin flags, handmade furniture, a wide variety of quality-brand tools, merchandise from many local businesses, themed gift baskets, travel packages from surrounding counties, and two certificates to participate in a concealed carry class.
“Everyone in the group feels like this is going to be one of our biggest auctions yet,” said Tom Roahrig of Higher Hopes. “I’m really looking forward to a big auction.”
In addition to the auction, there will also be a silent auction and a cake auction. The auctioneers for the event will be Jim Nelson and Wayne Yoder.
“Jim’s been with us since the first item was sold,” said Roahrig. “We’re in our 11th year and he’s been with us since the beginning. He’s one of the key instigators who’s got this thing as far as it’s gone.”
Yoder has connections in Amish country and has been gathering donations from the Amish in Sugarcreek.
“He’s a heck of an auctioneer and he’s young, so he’ll bring in some younger people,” said Roahrig. “We can’t expect the same people to do this year after year, and we have to pass the torch.”
There will also be a wide-range of toys available for sale at the auction. Those who purchase toys are encouraged to donate them to the Higher Hopes Country Christmas program. Those toys will then be given to children with special needs throughout Coshocton and surrounding counties.
River View FFA sponsors the event and will have extra fruit from their recent fruit sale up for auction.
“Without River View FFA and the Vocational Agriculture program, we couldn’t even have an auction,” said Roahrig. “Everyone at River View works so well with us and makes it easier for us to do this.”
All of the money raised at the auction will be used to help keep the Higher Hopes program alive. The money will go toward maintaining and feeding the horses, and maintaining and buying new equipment or activities for children to use at Higher Hopes.
“We want to make sure the people are benefiting from the program in a safe manner,” said Roahrig. “We want to buy new equipment to make sure everyone is safe. Safety is our number one goal.”
There is a charge to participate at Higher Hopes, but Roahrig said that no one is turned away because of their inability to pay. This fee is also used to maintain horses and equipment and is not used for any payroll. All the staff at Higher Hopes is volunteer only.
“Coshocton is a little hesitant at first, but once you do what you say you’re going to do, they jump right on,” said Roahrig. “(The auction) is a social event, too. We turn all the tables so you’re looking at the auctioneer and it gives them a place to sit their stuff, relax, eat, and be comfortable. We’re here for the long haul. We’re doing things right and surrounding ourselves with the right people.”
Roahrig said he wants to thank all the people who have supported them throughout the years.
“People know the program and they know they’re doing the right thing. It’s all about people knowing about the program and saying positive things about it. You know you’re doing the right thing.”
To learn more about Higher Hopes, visit their website at higherhopestrc.org.
Category: Clubs & Organizations