The Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries Auction began in 1993 by a group of committed volunteers who wanted to lay a foundation of solid financial support for our denomination's ministry of Disaster Response. Nineteen years and approximately $2.4 million later, our district's Disaster Ministries Auction has continued to build on that foundation and, along with other districts, supports a program of Disaster Response offering assistance to victims of war and disaster all over the world.
The 2011 Disaster Ministries Auction was held on May 20-21 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds with net proceeds of $193,000. On Friday evening, 1,339 tickets were sold for the oyster/ham supper. The Saturday breakfast totaled 377 tickets for omelets and 200 for pancakes and gravy. The blood drive collected 24 units. A highlight of the day was the sale of a playhouse built in memory of Carlton Ruff, who was an energetic and inspirational force at the auction for many years. The playhouse sold for $2,500. A quilt made by Edna Wakeman and donated to the auction in her memory was sold for $5,100. A total of $11,600 (including matching funds) was raised for the rebuilding project in Pulaski County, VA, which suffered severe tornado damage earlier in the spring. The championship team for the annual golf tournament included Brian and Delmas Ratliff, Chris Reedy and Jerry Ruff.
