EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO, as Bruce and Diane Witte's eldest son was entering kindergarten, the Mount Airy couple helped to start a tradition: the Mount Airy Elementary School Holiday Dinner Auction.
Tomorrow night, the couple, whose youngest child is now in middle school, will return to help run the auction that has become one of the most successful fund-raising efforts in the school's history.
"Everybody in this community has had kids who have gone to the school, and I think if we can help the kids get a better education by supplementing their funds, then we need to be there," said Bruce Witte, former three-term PTA president.
"I had just gone to auction school when the PTA was looking for a way to keep kids from going door to door for fund-raisers," remembered Witte, who is a local school bus contractor and part-time auctioneer.
The idea of holding a dinner and auction was developed to alleviate parents' concerns about their children's safety soliciting for donations and also to appeal to local businesses.
"We thought we could get a lot more support by going to businesses once a year instead of 10 times a year," said Witte.
The winning formula has not changed much in the 18 years since the Wittes and other parents began the auction, which is traditionally held just before Thanksgiving. A local restaurant is hired to cater the buffet dinner. Parents canvass local businesses for donations. The school's teachers and parents add contributions.
"We begin sending out our solicitation letters to businesses in the summer," said Susan Cole, co-chairwoman of the PTA Dinner Auction committee. "In August we get into full swing, by September we're at a frantic pace getting donations, and by October we're trying to pick up all the items donated and getting together our theme baskets."
Cole said the auction raises an average $12,000 a year, with all of the money going to the school. "Ultimately, it benefits all of our kids in the school in one way or another," she said.
Traditionally, the most popular auction items come from the school's teachers. In this year's 68-page catalog are outings to bowling parties, ice cream treats and inline skating with various teachers.
Art teacher Pat Aaron has constructed a child-sized playhouse castle out of cardboard, decorated and painted by his art students.
"It's just another example of how they go above and beyond their duties," said Cole.
Donations have changed over the years. Local businesses still contribute, but now many parents ask their employers for donations as well. Round-trip airline tickets, a weekend in Ocean City, a trip to Atlantic City and theater tickets are among the items to be auctioned.
This year, Carroll County school Superintendent Charles I. Ecker will appear as a guest auctioneer. But Bruce Witte will be the primary auctioneer, as he has been for the past 18 years.
The dinner auction begins at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the school. Tickets are $15 per person for the buffet and auction. Seating is limited, and no tickets will be available at the door.
To reserve a ticket, call Ann Kern at 301-829-9252.
Christmas greenery
The Mount Airy Garden Club has launched a new fund-raiser just in time for the holiday season. Fresh, green boxwood trees, Christmas wreaths and table centerpieces with a candle will be offered for sale at $25 each.
"All of the greenery used has been grown in our members' gardens," said Christine Swanson, Garden Club member.
The club decorates local landmarks during the holiday season, including Town Hall, Pine Grove Chapel and the library.
Advance prepaid orders can be mailed to: Mount Airy Garden Club, 905 Meadowgreen Drive, Mount Airy 21771. The last day to order is Dec. 2.
Information: 301-607-9245 or 301-829-1983.
Mount Airy history
The Mount Airy Historical Society will focus on the town's railroad heritage as it continues its series on Mount Airy history.
Michael Eacho, vice president, will give a lecture on the advent of the rail system in Mount Airy at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Mount Airy Firehouse, 702 N. Main St.
The public is urged to bring any historical photos they might want to be identified.
Lesa Jansen's Southwest neighborhood column appears each Friday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.