The High Country Auxiliary hosted a silent auction on June 11, 2023, at the Washington Hall gallery, 117 Eureka Street, Central City, to raise funds for first responders. The mission of the Auxiliary is to provide material and logistical support to our first responder community in Gilpin County, through equipment purchases, food delivery, and community safety initiatives.

The High Country Auxiliary (HCA) has been in existence for over 50 years. HCA’s mission is to aid and support Timberline Fire Protection District (TFPD), Gilpin County Animal Response Team (GCART), and other emergency service organizations within the district. Aid includes providing food and water at scene responses or training sessions, purchasing supplies and equipment for first responders that are outside of their normal budgets, and providing scholarships to assist firefighters and other emergency services personnel to attend training events.

Terri Miller is the chair of the auction and said they had 60 gift certificates and 25 baskets for sale.

Each bidder who attended received two glasses and tickets for two drinks. They also had a wine pull for $12. The wines were covered, so anyone who bought a bottle got whatever wine they got. They also had beer available.

Robby Wicks played his guitar for entertainment. The event began at 3 p.m., and the bidding on the items stopped at 5:30 p.m. to announce the winners, so people could take their winnings home that night.

Items included a $50 basket from Eddie Miller with gin and sodas. Brightwood Music donated a $25 certificate and The Mountain-Ear donated an online subscription. Michelle Sullivan and the Spice Tea Exchange donated Margarita baskets for $80. JKQ Barbecue donated $25.

Kathleen Balfour donated a Bless this House warmer basket. New Moon Bakery donated a $25 certificate, and Ameristar donated a one night stay as did KOA campground for a cabin

For more information on the HCA, go to https://www.highcountryauxiliary.com/.