Community Wins at Huntington Woods Men's Club auction

A record crowd of enthusiastic bidders kept the 30th annual Huntington Woods Men's Club Service Auction charity event going late into the night Saturday.

The auction, which raised funds for community projects such as the purchase of single-stream recycling bins, drew 850 registered bidders.

"It was a huge sellout crowd," Men's Club president Jay Qualman said. "It's unfortunate we had to turn people away, but we had to for safety's sake.

"I think the popularity of these recycling bins," which let residents skip the sorting when they put their recyclables to the curb, "and the economy being on the upswing," inspired the turnout, Qualman said.

Guests kicked off the evening by sampling complimentary foods and beverages from local vendors in the gym, which was decorated with bunches of balloons tied to tables where silent auction items were displayed.

Food vendors included , , Noodles & Company, Hogger's, Zumba Mexican Grille, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill &Bar, Chuck and Dave's salsa, D'Amato's Restaurant, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, , Monty's Grill and Moti Mahal Indian Cuisine.

Once guests had had the chance to fuel up and mingle with neighbors, the silent auction and almost live auctions went into action, with Men's Club members Gordy Oliva calling out table closing times and Steve Gross directing the bidding.

"Everyone's smiling, everyone's having a good time," Men's Club membership director Rick Kagen said. "Bidding's been brisk."

One by one, the silent auction tables were cleared away as bidding closed, opening up the floor for the live auction.

A nimble-tongued Steve Gross conducted the auction as bidders raised their numbered paddles to compete for prizes including a casino party package for up to 30 people, an African safari, a kitchen renovation, an autographed Kid Rock guitar and the chance to ride the fire truck at the front of the Fourth of July parade.

While the evening was a festive one, with some residents planning to hit afterglow parties, its goal was serious: to fulfill the Men's Club's mission of community service. Proceeds will be used to purchase the single stream recycling carts as well as for smaller projects throughout the year.

"I just want to thank the community for their support," Men's Club President Jay Qualman said.

Come back to Berkley Patch for photos from the 30th annual Huntington Woods Men's Club Service Auction.