With over 300 people in attendance, the Metigoshe Ministries 2011 Quilt Auction was an extraordinary success. The live auction started at 11 AM overseen by auctioneer Darrel Graber of Rolette. A silent auction took place as well with many items including some that were hand-made including jewelry, artwork, and a carved wooden chest.There were 178 quilts in the auction this year, donated from dozens of individuals and many women’s groups from area churches. The total amount raised was much higher than any other year. A total of $83,344 sent this year’s quilt auction hurtling past the previous high total of $60,900 in 2009.

This year’s record-breaking number comes mainly from the quilt auction, which brought in $77,650 from the 178 quilts donated. An additional $3,694 was raised through the silent auction. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gave $1,500 through Care in Regions funds and $500 was given by the local Thrivent agents Andrew Wintermute and Ron Gullett. The money raised helps provide stipends for the 45 summer staff members as well as provide scholarships for campers.

“We are stunned, blessed, and amazed at the amount of money raised this year,” stated Leah Benson, Financial Secretary. “After moving the date we were concerned about how well this year’s auction would do, but who would have thought it would break all our previous records. The generosity from everyone was overwhelming and amazing. We are truly blessed here at Metigoshe Ministries.”

Another blessing that resulted from the successful day is the gift Metigoshe Ministries is able to donate to flood relief efforts. “The Board of Directors decided to give a portion of our proceeds to the flood recovery effort,” stated Robert Kornkven, board president. “Metigoshe Ministries is well supported by our constituent congregations and now we can support them.” Twenty quilts were secretly selected. The total raised from those quilts will be given to the Western North Dakota Synod to support the constituent congregations that sustained flood damage. The 20 quilts were kept a mystery during the bidding. At the end of the auction, Metigoshe Ministries announced it will send $12,235 to the WND Synod.

Metigoshe Ministries sends an enormous THANK YOU to all who took part in this year’s quilt auction.