By Jim Newell
Review Staff Writer
It’s that time of year, with the yuletide season quickly approaching, and the Lake Orion Lions Club wants to make sure all Orion-area families enjoy the holidays.
The Lions host their eighth annual “A Christmas for Everyone” charity auction this Saturday, benefitting the club’s Christmas Basket program.
“The auction just keeps getting bigger and bigger. We’re expecting somewhere between 250-300 people,” said Lions Club member Jim Leach, Jr., chairman of the event.
The auction helps raise funds to purchase the Christmas Basket items, which provide about two weeks worth of food, some household items and toys and gifts if there are young children in the household, Leach said.
Last year the Lion’s Club delivered 240 Christmas Baskets to families and senior citizens in Lake Orion.
“All the money we raise goes directly back into the Lake Orion Community,” Leach said.
The Lions will pack the Christmas baskets on Dec. 16 and deliver them throughout the community on Dec. 17.
Leach said the community has rallied behind the Christmas auction and basket program, with the Lions Club members getting donations from everyone they visit.
“It’s been fantastic. We’ve have had members go out into the community to local businesses and restaurants and they’ve been very willing to help. We’ve gotten wonderful auction items,” he said.
Auction items this year include a puppy and two trips up north, including a trip to Boyne, Leach said. “There’s going to be something for everyone at the auction.”
The Christmas-themed auction is at Milosch’s Palace, 3800 S. Lapeer Rd., the sponsor of the event. Victoria’s Bistro & Catering will provide the dinner. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a silent auction from 6-8 p.m. There also will be a live auction.
Tickets are $30 per person in advance or $40 at the door. Advanced tickets are available through the Lions website, lakeorionlions.org, or by calling Jim Leach at 248-561-3203.
Leach said the club has items for the auction. However, anyone wishing to donate financially, donate canned goods, volunteer or learn more about the Lions programs can visit the Lions Club’s website.