A picture-perfect weekend contributed to a picture-perfect 40th Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale with early sales equaling $406,500 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.
“This weekend marked the 40th birthday of the sale,” said Rod Chrystie, Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale chair. “After what has seemed like a long winter, folks came out in droves to join in the festivities.
“Friday night, we were blessed to have the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus present a wonderful music program. And Saturday, the calm winds and bright sun welcomed every one back for a full day of eating, working, bidding and maybe a little more eating.
“Many thanks to all for helping us raise much needed funds that will make a difference in lives all across the world.”
Proceeds from the quilt auction was estimated at $113,000. Twenty-four of the 200-plus quilts sold for more than $1,000 a piece.
The top selling quilts were: “Thelma’s October Garden” by the Piece Makers, Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church, Harper, for $5,400; and “Lily Garden” by Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, for $5,700.
The general auction raised $4,600 Friday night and $49,000 on Saturday with two antique tractors raising $4,700 for the Minneapolis Moline Model U and $4,000 for the Cockshutt Series 30.
Other notable totals include: Silent Auction, about $3,000; Quilters’ Corner, $13,700; Ten Thousand Villages, $12,500; Penny Power Collection $19,252; 11th Run for Relief $18,700; and Feeding the Multitude (German buffet) $32,000.
The 41st annual KMRS is scheduled April 17 and 18, 2009, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
For more information about this year’s sale and updates on next year’s sale, visit www.kansas.mccsale.org.
