History

Since 1982, many volunteers and scores of donors collaborate to create one wonderful night to benefit local cancer related organizations. An annual "event" in the area, where several hundred people gather at Green Grove Gardens Event Center for the purpose of coming together to support those dealing with cancer in our community.

Over the last 40 years, we’ve grown from “Gala Cancer Auction” to the “Waynesboro Area Gala Cancer Auction” and have raised over $2.4 million for the Oncology Bridge Fund and Hennessy House in Chambersburg, PA; Hope Lodges in Baltimore and Philadelphia; The LIVESTRONG Program at the Waynesboro YMCA; and the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital, Hershey, PA; and Breast Cancer Awareness of Cumberland Valley thanks to the generosity of those living in Waynesboro and the surrounding towns. All auction items are donated, the auctioneers donate their time and talent, volunteers donate their time to solicit, organize and work the night of the event, and supporters have a wonderful time bidding on items. A catalog of all the items is available weeks before the auction at local businesses and here on our Facebook page.

The silent bid items number far in excess of several hundred, including many hand-crafted items. There is a steady stream of traffic by these tables, as everyone checks and re-checks their bids, attempting to be the last with the highest bid. When the "flashing red light" goes on, and there's only minutes until bidding closes on a table -- look out!

The real excitement of the evening is during the oral bidding action for around 100+ major items. There is never a lack of interest for any of the prized treasures. From antiques to newly crafted furniture, sporting event tickets to weekends in your favorite vacation spot, pies or ice cream weekly for an entire year, and concert tickets to name a few. There is literally something of interest for everyone. The bidding is sometimes fast and furious and, again, the spirited action is a reflection of our supporters’ desire and commitment to help make a difference in the fight against cancer.

The auction was anticipated to cease after the 2022 event as the volunteers for the committee had generously donated decades to keeping the auction running, which is no small task! But right when the future looked bleak for the continuation of the event, a core group of the long standing committee chose to remain active with the event and some new volunteers stepped up to take on some big roles. With that, we are fortunate to be back for a 41st event!