Last year, 31 teacher and school grants totaling almost $100,000 were funded by proceeds from the annual Manheim Central Foundation for Educational Enrichment (MCFEE) auction.

You can support students and teachers in the Manheim Central School District by participating in this year's event. The MCFEE 4Kids Virtual Auction will be held from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, through 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27.

The auction will feature overnight stays; a Mother's Day package; Phillies and Orioles game tickets; a tailgater's package; private vineyard tastings and tours; a Solo stove campfire set; Amish handmade quilts; golf packages; and gift cards to local restaurants, retail stores, entertainment and family-friendly experiences. Themed baskets and a cash giveaway will also be featured.

More than 200 items will be up for bid, said Amy Howett, executive director of MCFEE.

"(We have) handcrafted birdhouse nesting boxes made by the fourth-grade Doe Run nature club students," she said, noting that the project was funded by a MCFEE grant. Wood and metal items crafted by high school tech-ed students will also be featured.

Last year's auction raised $99,500, providing funds for a variety of grants. Initiatives made possible by the grants included a high school facility dog, an elementary school book vending machine, science microscopes, an art studio, Junior Achievement programs and an international culture day. Author visits from Heather Fox and Jonathan Stutzman, virtual field trips and video conferences were also supported by the auction proceeds.

"There is something appealing for everyone in this signature auction event," Howett remarked. "It will help provide more innovative and inspiring educational opportunities for Manheim Central students."

She emphasized that the auction relies on community support to succeed.

"The MCFEE trustees and auction committee are very grateful to the community for 22 years of generous support of our signature fundraiser," she said. "We are very grateful to our Children's Champion sponsors: Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction, Buch Funeral Homes, DDMP Investment Advisors, Rohrer's Inc., Lancaster Toyota Mazda and Lancaster Nissan and The Nevin & Doneen Dourte Family Trust. Children's Leadership sponsors are Longenecker's Hardware Co., and Ruhl Insurance, a division of Horst Insurance."

Participating in the auction is easy, she noted, adding that people can access the auction site from any smart device at http://www.bidpal.net/mcfee4kids24.

Winning bidders may pick up their items at the Manheim Farm Show building off Adele Avenue in Manheim from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29 and 30.