REEDSVILLE — By the time the auctioneer calls the opening bid, the grounds at the Mifflin County Youth Park in Reedsville will already be alive with conversation, laughter, and purpose.

Volunteers will be moving from table to table, families will be greeting friends and rows of donated items will be ready for eager bidders. For Mifflin County Christian Academy, it will feel like a day that captures the heart of the school and the community that supports it.

That day arrives on Saturday, May 2, when Mifflin County Christian Academy hosts its 36th Annual Benefit Auction, beginning at 9 a.m. at the youth park, located at 110 W. Logan St. The auction is the academy’s largest fundraiser and one of its most enduring traditions, uniting supporters in a shared commitment to Christian education.

Located in McClure, Mifflin County Christian Academy has served families throughout the region since 1986, providing students with a strong academic education grounded in biblical truth.

Over four decades, the benefit auction has grown from a modest effort into a cornerstone event that reflects both the faith and generosity of the community.

Each year, the auction draws families, alumni, churches, local businesses and friends of the school who believe in the mission of Christian education. Some come ready to bid on specific items, while others attend simply to enjoy the fellowship and support the school in any way they can. Together, they create an atmosphere that is welcoming, energetic and purposeful.

The impact of the auction is felt long after the final item is sold. According to administrator Craig Todd, the funds raised play a direct role in strengthening the academy throughout the year.

“Funds raised during the auction directly benefit Mifflin County Christian Academy by supporting classroom resources, educational programs, facility and staffing needs, and by helping the school keep tuition as affordable as possible for families who desire a Christ-centered education for their children,” Todd said.

What makes the benefit auction especially meaningful is the involvement of the entire school community. Parents, staff members and volunteers spend months preparing, organizing donations and coordinating details to ensure the event runs smoothly. Students are also actively involved, assisting with setup and cleanup and serving as runners during the auction. Through this process, they gain firsthand experience in service, responsibility, teamwork and stewardship.

Local businesses and individual donors play a vital role by contributing items and services that make the auction both diverse and exciting. This year’s auction will feature a wide range of offerings, including specialty items, tools, gift baskets, gift certificates, experiences and other unique donations. Each contribution reflects a partnership between the academy and the surrounding community that continues to grow stronger with each passing year.

Beyond the bidding, the auction is designed to be an enjoyable day for all ages. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the event, encouraging attendees to stay, visit and connect. The relaxed setting allows families and friends to linger, creating an environment that feels as much like a community gathering as it does a fundraiser.

This year’s auction carries added meaning as Mifflin County Christian Academy celebrates its 40th year of ministry during the 2025-26 school year. Since opening its doors in 1986, the school has experienced God’s faithfulness through the dedication of its staff, families, and supporters. The benefit auction serves as both a reflection on that history and an investment in the future.

“For the staff and families of Mifflin County Christian Academy, the benefit auction is more than just a fundraiser,” Todd added. “It is a time for the community to gather together in support of the school’s mission to provide a strong academic education grounded in biblical truth.”

The academy welcomes anyone who would like to attend the auction, donate items, participate in bidding or simply come out and enjoy the day.

Supporters can also preview select auction items online through the school’s Facebook group, including gift certificates and featured donations. For more information, visit www.mccaeagles.net.

As anticipation builds, the 36th Annual Benefit Auction stands as a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together — united by faith, generosity and a shared commitment to educating the next generation.