By Bonnie Culverhouse
For more than 40 years, Minden has been a top contributor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
State Sen. Robert Mills, District 36, felt like now was a good time to recognize the hard-working people who have kept the auction, thus many children, alive and growing.
“You people have stepped up year after year after year and done something pretty remarkable,” Mills told the workers during a recognition ceremony at Minden City Hall Friday. “So, I wanted something in the state records that memorialized what you’ve done.”
Despite the pandemic and some significant hurdles, Minden’s auction raised more than $1.6M for the hospital in 2020-2021. Since its inception, the Minden St. Jude Auction has raised more than $20M for children’s research benefitting St. Jude.
Mills’ resolution recognizes Minden and the surrounding communities for raising more money per capita than any other city in the United States.
“It allows me to brag about you,” Mills added.
Auction co-chairman Melissa Brown said this isn’t the first time the state Legislature has recognized the St. Jude Auction, however, it is always appreciated.
“The notoriety is helpful,” Brown said. “We put it on social media, and there are people who follow us and hopefully spend their money to help the children. It helps him (Mills), it helps us and it helps our event. Our following on social media, especially this past year with the pandemic, has been one of our most important tools.”
Auction worker Mike Harper agreed.
“It think this recognition is a very good thing for us,” Harper said. “It gives us as workers a boost, too.”
