2022 marks 33 years that the Clinic for Special Children has been in operation. Located at 535 Bunker Hill Road, Strasburg, the Clinic for Special Children is a nonprofit organization and comprehensive medical practice that focuses on providing efficient and affordable health care to vulnerable children and adults who are experiencing rare genetic disorders or complex medical needs.

According to Kelly Cullen, communications manager at the Clinic for Special Children, a large majority of the clinic's patients come from the Amish or Mennonite communities, and over the past 33 years, the clinic has served over 5,000 patients. As a nonprofit organization, the Clinic for Special Children relies on community fundraisers to make up more than 60% of its annual budget, and one of its main fundraisers is the annual Lancaster County Benefit Auction.

The 31st annual Lancaster County Benefit Auction will take place on Saturday, June 18, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Leola Produce Auction, 135 Brethren Church Road, Leola. Admission will be free to the public, and a wide variety of items will be up for bids, including handmade quilts, carriages, household furniture, hardware, outdoor furniture, shrubbery, plants, gift baskets, and toys.

"There's a lot to enjoy at the annual auction," said Cullen. "What I'm most looking forward to is just seeing so many community members come together in support of the Clinic for Special Children's mission.

While perusing the auction items, attendees can also purchase food, such as freshly made doughnuts, chicken barbecue, whoopie pies, a salad bar, ice cream, and soft pretzels. There will also be a silent auction.

"When you're at the auction and you're bidding and purchasing food, know that you're supporting a great cause that's helping children and adults with complex medical needs and rare genetic disorders access the care that they really need," stated Cullen."

For details about the clinic's 2022 benefit auctions throughout the country, visit http://www.clinicauctions.org or call 717-687-9407. For more information about the Clinic for Special Children, visit http://www.clinicforspecialchildren.org.