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Schools

Tin Can Auction to Raise Funds for Berkley High School Athletics

Organizers hope the event will match the $30,000 it made last year.

What the heck is this Tin Can Auction all these signs around Berkley and Huntington Woods are advertising?

Basically, it is a night of family fun to support athletics.

The Berkley Bear Athletic Boosters is holding its 12th annual Tin Can Auction from 5-10 p.m. Friday in the Berkley High School west gym.

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How it works

Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Tin Can Auction chairperson Lisa Baker suggests that participants come early. “Last year, we had at least 1,000 people,” Baker said.

First, participants buy tickets. Ticket sellers are stationed throughout the gym for easy access. Bring your pens, because each ticket needs to have your name and contact information.

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Several types of tickets will be available, including:

  • General tickets, which cost 25 cents each, for prizes valued between $20 and $75. 
  • Grand tickets, which cost $1 each, for prizes valued between $75 and $150. 
  • Super grand tickets, which cost $5 each, for prizes valued at $150 and or more.

Second, peruse the prize tables. More than 500 prizes, each prize with its own ticket collection can, will be displayed throughout the gym. You put your ticket into the can of the prize you want to win. There is no limit to the amount of tickets you enter into any given can.

All prizes have been donated on behalf of the 21 Berkley High School athletic teams, the Bear Paw and the Berkley Bear Athletic Boosters. The money raised from the donated items is divided, with 75 percent going back to the teams and 25 percent to the Berkley Bear Athletic Boosters.

Baker pointed out that in reality, all the money goes back to the teams.

“The Boosters benefits every sport,” she said. “They all come to the Boosters when the school district is unable to fund the necessities. The Boosters picks up that void in their budget.”

Third, socialize with other community members, while grabbing a snack at the concession stand.

At 7 p.m., the cans will be collected, starting with those for the general ticket prizes and working up to the super grand prizes. When the winning tickets are announced, the prize is immediately awarded to the winner. However, you do not have to be present to win.

“I like the excitement, and it benefits the schools,” said Berkley resident Melissa Gabriel, who is planning to attend.

This year, she is banking her tickets in the free enrollment for Berkley Steelers football.  “I have two boys to enter this year,” said Gabriel.

Auction sneak peek

For adults

  • iPad
  • $500 money tree
  • 50-inch flat-screen TV
  • Dell laptop and printer
  • Red Wings jersey, signed by Chris Osgood
  • One-week camp trip to Wooden Acres Camp
  • Pampered Chef products
  • Outdoor heater
  • Sony camcorder/camera
  • Tigers game tickets
  • Local restaurant gift certificates

For children

  • Boys bike and helmet
  • Children’s books and reading chairs
  • 53-inch-tall teddy bear
  • Toys
  • Toys
  • And more toys
  • Tutoring sessions worth $500

It isn’t too late to donate

Baker said her committee has extended the deadline for donations, which may be dropped off from 7-8 p.m. Monday in the basement of .

Since Easter weekend falls in late April this year, the auction was scheduled two weeks earlier than its usual date. Baker said the change in date has slowed down the incoming prize donations, but she is confident there will be more than 500 prizes.

Last year, the Berkley Bears Boosters raised approximately $30,000, which was used to assist all Berkley athletics. Baker said the goal, in these hard economic times, is to match last year's total.

Email Lisa Baker at lbaker6025@aol.com to arrange a prize donation.

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