Online auction to support Hill City Ambulance

The Supporters of the Hill City Ambulance (SHCA) are hard at work organizing an online auction through McPherson Auction & Realty Company to raise money for the Hill City Ambulance. 

When brainstorming fundraising ideas, Sue Jarvis, one of the members of SHCA, suggested an auction because “a lot of stuff sells in those online auctions. People will buy just about anything.”

For this fundraiser, Kevin McPherson, the owner of McPherson Auction & Realty Company, said he would host an online auction for the Hill City Ambulance at mcphersonauction.com. The company will also be doing all the photography and advertising for the event, and it has around 16,000 followers.

The auction will start July 12 at 6 p.m. and will go until July 14 at 6 p.m. People can be bid night and day and be from anywhere as long as arrangements are made to pick up their items Saturday, July 15. 

In the meantime, donations for auction items are needed. Starting April 15, the SHCA will have a big storage unit rented and ready to fill with donated items for the auction. 

“Right now we need auction items,” said Lori Comer, a member of SHCA. “We are accepting pretty much anything.” 

The SHCA has already reached out to a lot of different merchants asking them to put together entries that they would like. 

Donations can include new or gently-used items that can stand alone or be combined into a nice package. Another option is items like gift certificates, vacation packages, helicopter rides or nightly rentals which can be mailed to long-distance bidders. 

Meanwhile, individuals who are currently doing spring cleaning are encouraged to donate things they no longer have a use for to be auctioned off. This could include things like quilts, artwork, jewelry or anything else that will interest other people. 

“We’re hoping to have some nice new things, and we’re hoping to have some good vacation package type things and whatever else anyone wants to donate,” said Jarvis.

Additionally, “We’re hoping to get some bigger ticket items,” said Comer. 

This could be things like a lawn mower, sofa or anything else. Those wanting to donate could even purchase something like a TV to be auctioned. 

“We’re hoping for a really good turnout,” said Comer. 

Prior to the auction, the donated items will be displayed so people can preview the item they want to bid on. Since the online auction will reach a wide range of people, the SHCA is accepting donations from anyone. 

Those who want to donate to the auction can contact Comer at 430-7009 or contact another SHCA member. They will come get the item or arrange a meeting at the storage unit if the item is heavy.

Gift certificates can be mailed to Supporters for the Hill City Ambulance P.O. Box 1091. For these donations, SHCA asks that the expiration dates extend through or beyond September 2024. All donations must be received by July 5 to be included in the auction. 

All proceeds will go to the building of the new Hill City Ambulance facility. The Hill City Ambulance District covers 386 square miles which includes five recreational lakes, numerous campgrounds, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and more. They have staffing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and have 14 EMTs on staff.