Eastside auctions chairs for ministry programs

ZANESVILLE - It's not often you'll see so many types of chairs in one place: wooden chairs, kitchen chairs, dog chairs, lounge chairs and even a toilet.On Friday, shoppers at the Colony Square Mall perused the display on the south end. Those intrigued enough could also bid on the chairs, all 51 of which come with incentives.

Each chair was a donation from a local church, business or individual for the aptly named Chair-ity Auction. The proceeds will support programs at Eastside Community Ministry, whether it be its youth program, the clothing bank, the food bank or emergency relief, said Jamie Trout, executive director.

The fundraiser began Friday morning with a sealed auction, which is similar to a silent auction, except prior bids are hidden in an envelope.

"It makes you want to bid higher because you're not sure," Trout said. "It's a different concept."

The sealed auction ends at 8 p.m. Saturday, at which time the highest bidders of each chair will be announced. Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz will also host a live auction at 3 p.m. featuring 10 chairs.

"I'm impressed with the amount of people who have come so far today," Trout said on Friday afternoon.

Marcy White, a board member for Eastside, was one of a handful of volunteers taking bids on Friday.

"I just enjoyed seeing all the variety and the creativity of the folks who donated the chairs," White said. "It's always overwhelms me how this community steps up and donates so generously."

The funds they raise will prove vital to the ministry, which strives to offer education, food and clothing to those in need, White said.

"Eastside is important to the community," White said. "We are very fortunate to have donations come in but there's expenses with running any non-profit."

elagatta@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

740-450-6753

Twitter: @EricLagatta

If you go:

The Chair-ity Auction, hosted by Eastside Community Ministry, continues Saturday at the Colony Square Mall on Maple Avenue. Sheriff Matt Lutz will host a live auction at 3 p.m. and the sealed auction closes at 8 p.m.

FYI: To view photos of the chairs, visit www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com