Annual Neighborhood House Auction
Giving a lot of Christmas Cheer

By Jonathan Gramling

      Instead of fighting the crowds at the malls to find those just right presents for their loved ones, some smart shoppers begin and end their Christmas shopping
at Neighborhood House each year. Instead of walking from store to store, these shoppers let the presents come to them.
      On December 13, several dozen people gathered in the gym to bid on items from dresses to video games to autographed pictures that were expertly put up
for bid by perennial auctioneer Andy Heidt. During the lulls in the bidding, people bid on the silent auction phase of the fundraiser.
      And where else could you enjoy cookies and punch while watching a masterful performance of Ballet Folklorico Mexico de Hermanas Avila as a break in
the Christmas shopping? All of the good cheer and proceeds go to support Neighborhood House’s children’s programs. That good feeling is the best Christmas
present — perhaps besides not getting stressed at the malls — that one can receive.