Samaritan Center reaps windfall

Shouts of joy rang out and astounded faces could be seen when the final tally of donations received Tuesday night at the Samaritan Center's third annual auction was announced.

The live auction with 44 items generated more than $41,000 for the not-for-profit, interfaith agency based in Jefferson City.

Harold McDowell lets out a "yep" as he acknowledges a bid to the auctioneer during the benefit dinner and auction Tuesday night for the Samaritan Center. Spotters were scattered throughout the crowd to listen for bids and call them to the attention of the auctioneer. (News Tribune/Julie Smith photo)

In total the evening, with more than 850 seats sold at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and a silent auction, produced more than $100,000 -- compared with $51,000 total from 2004 -- mostly for the center's foundation rainy day fund.

"I hope we just build on this," said Marylyn DeFeo, the center's volunteer executive director. "This tells me the center is doing a good job and people trust us.

"Our work is seen and admired by kind-hearted people who want to help those less fortunate."

The "Evening in the Tuscan Garden" expanded to a larger venue, and still had people wanting to buy tickets up until that evening, said Jennifer DeFeo, event coordinator.

Corporate support increased significantly this year, Jennifer DeFeo noted, as did individual gifts like that of Betty Jo Willis, a newcomer to the Samaritan Center's friends.

Willis' Lladro bowl, purchased in Spain in the 1970s, brought $600 to the live auction. She also gave another 29 Italian pottery pieces to the silent auction.

Former major-league pitcher Tom Henke donated a collection of his baseball card memorabilia that went for $1,100. And Sen. Carl Vogel, R-Jefferson City, paid $750 for lunch with his sisters.

Cheryl Boessen's now-legendary cinnamon rolls -- two dozen each month for a year -- again swept the highest bid with $3,300.

A playground set went for $2,050, while a meal prepared at home by Preston Seamster, executive chef at Jefferson City Country Club, drew $1,900 twice.

Other meals, quilts, furniture, art and sporting events rounded out the auction items.

"Isn't God Great?" asked Marylyn DeFeo.

From detecting a life-threatening illness in the Ossman Free Medical Clinic, to offering self-esteem with school supplies or sharing food so a mother could eat with her children, Marylyn DeFeo shared examples of how the center helps those in need.

And the evening honored Georgia and Jack Clark, who donated the land where the center was built in 1999 at 1310 East McCarty St.

The auction also was an opportunity for Ross Branson, 20, to volunteer his time.

A junior at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Branson has helped the center frequently since he was 8, from carrying groceries to data entry to sorting in the new building's warehouse.

Now, living in Columbia with a job and school, he still helps out with special events.

"If I'm able, I might as well help someone," Branson said.

Volunteering has helped round Branson's character, he said, adding, "I have more sympathy for people and stay modest."

Branson enjoyed watching community leaders model those same traits as he held up auction items like a large leather chair or an awkwardly heavy wall mirror.

"I like how we have the many celebrities, Branson said. "And if cinnamon rolls can go for $3,300, obviously they want to help."

mreagan@newstribune.com

Tim Hronick, left, and Ross Branson hold up a large mirror donated by Crabtree Interiors at Tuesday night's auction at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. It was the third annual dinner and auction to benefit the Samaritan Center. (Julie Smith/News Tribune photo)