CHOCOWINITY — It never fails. In an auction that has included everything from NASCAR memorabilia to plane rides, it’s Mrs. Respess’ homemade fudge that draws the bidding wars.
“Mrs. Respess’ fudge is the top auction item every year,” said Kristie Warren, Unity Christian Academy administrator.
Unity Christian Academy’s third-annual auction will be held March 15.
Each year, school employees and students’ families call on family contacts and connections to obtain goods for a live auction, raffle and silent auction.
In years past, those calls have garnered a driver shield from the helmet of NASCAR driver Elliot Sadler, signed hats from NASCAR driver Greg Biffle; custom granite countertops and a plane ride for two.
Warren said there are items for every pocketbook. This year’s event has tons of gift certificates, a few rounds of golf, a carved wooden bear and a deep fryer or two.
Families will donate cakes to auction alongside the famous Respess fudge that sold for $270 last year.
The silent auction includes a lunch date with the administrator that is always a big hit with the students.
Of all the items — including the fudge — none are more popular than the ones personalized by students. Plates with handprints and personalized flowerpots fetched $300 a piece last year.
This year, UCA teachers are making serving trays with photos of students and artwork made with thumbprints.
Preschool teacher Paige Hardy had each student in school hand paint a ceramic tile. The tiles now adorn a concrete bench with the UCA logo.
Hardy said she was happy to help.
“I love working here and doing things for my kids,” she said.
Auction proceeds go to the school’s general fund. The event includes $6 spaghetti dinners for sale.
“It’s a good family event,” Warren said. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
The dinner and auction will be at UCA, 1501 Haw Branch Road, Chocowinity. The March 15 event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, call the school at 946-5083.