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McGuire Annual Scholarship Auction fast approaching

  • Published
  • By Ellen Riley
  • McGuire Officer Spouses' Club PR chair
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ. --  The month of March can signal many thoughts for parents. Among them may be "How are we going to pay for college for our child next year?" This thought is not reserved for parents alone. Many military personnel have thoughts each year of how to pay college tuition for themselves or a close loved one. There is a group on base that is working to help ease these worries for McGuire families. 

The Officer Spouses' Club and the Enlisted Spouses' Club for McGuire Air Force Base have joined forces this year to sponsor the McGuire Annual Scholarship Auction. Every year this auction is held to raise money for scholarships for active duty, civilians, retired Air Force, Guard, or Reservists and their dependents. These scholarships help defray the costs to Air Force families paying for college. 

Last year the auction rose just over $18,000. This money was distributed to 14 McGuire family members. The spouse's clubs look forward to helping even more McGuire families this year
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The goal for the auction this year is $20,000.
"We have set a high goal this year," said auction chairperson Jennifer Roberts, "but last year, the base really turned out to help their own. We think this year McGuire will show up even more to support a great cause. Also, since we have both Spouses' Clubs working so hard, we will be able to get the word out to even more people to raise money for a great cause." 

This year there are premium auction items available. One sponsor donated a fur trimmed cape for the auction. Also, this year there is a three-stone diamond pendant available. 

The big item this year is Laser Hair Removal offered by a local spa, said Mrs. Roberts. Although they are certainly excited about many of the items available. 

Other auction items include trips, restaurant certificates, show tickets, pampering packages, amusement parks, electronics, sports equipment, furniture, chiropractic treatment and much more. There is also a chance to have a race named after yourself. There are items available for a wide range of interests. 

Be sure to come prepared said Mrs. Roberts. Many of the squadron spouse groups join in the fun by donating baskets of items to auction off. The commander of the squadron basket that brings in the most money gets bragging rights for a whole year. The desserts for the dessert auction can also create fierce competition. Be sure you have a vehicle prepared to move your loot as all items must be claimed that night. Most of all come prepared to have a great time. Not everyone ends up with their favorite item, but everyone has fun. Most important to remember is that all money raised by the auctioned items goes directly to helping McGuire families pay for college tuitions. The auction is a great opportunity for the community here at McGuire to band together, have a good time and offer a helping hand to others in our community. 

The auction will be held at The Club at McGuire March 23. The Silent Auction and social hour will start at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by the live auction. There will be a cash bar and heavy hors' deouvres available. The cost for attending the auction is $15 to pay for food. Reservations can be made by e-mailing MOSCreservations@yahoo.com. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are certainly welcome. For any questions regarding the auction, or to make donations to the auction, call (609) 353-1126.