Clermont Senior Services Executive Director George Brown, left, and David Lewis hold up items being auctioned in the Art, Antiques and Collectibles Auction Sept. 9. The antique cameras and posing stand were auctioned together to help raise money for senior services.

Clermont Senior Services Executive Director George Brown, left, and David Lewis hold up items being auctioned in the Art, Antiques and Collectibles Auction Sept. 9. The antique cameras and posing stand were auctioned together to help raise money for senior services.
Clermont Senior Services hosted their 12th annual Art, Antique and Collectibles Auction Sept. 9 and while the event made for a fun and entertaining evening, it also served as a fund-raiser.

“I enjoy helping, I enjoy giving,” Jean Keets, of Amelia, said about why she comes to the auction. “I just think it is a good cause.”

The auction, which featured hundreds of items, is a way for community members to bid on items that they want, while also supporting Clermont Senior Services.

Both a silent auction and live auction took place at this year’s event, which also included a sit-down dinner and homemade appetizers made by auction committee members and volunteers.

Silent auction items ranged from gift certificates to fine china. Guests were able to peruse the silent auction items and make bids before and after dinner. Bidding closed as Senior Services Executive Director George Brown stood up to speak.

Brown discussed the senior service levy that will appear on the Nov. 8 election ballot. Brown said the levy, which is a renewal, is crucial to keep Clermont Senior Services running.

“It’s not just your vote that is immensely important,” Brown said. “But to encourage lots of other folks to get out and support the levy.”

Clermont Senior Services provides Meals-On-Wheels, transportation, home care, adult day care and more to seniors throughout Clermont County. Eighty percent of these services are covered by the levy and 20 percent of services are covered by fundraisers.

Clermont County’s senior service levy was the first county-wide senior service levy in Ohio. Lois Brown Dale helped to secure the levy on the ballot in 1982, and the five-year renewal levy has been in existence ever since.

“This is extremely vital to the seniors of Clermont County,” Commissioner Ed Humphrey said about the levy. “If the renewal fails, Clermont County Senior Services closes its doors.”

Brown encouraged guests at the auction to take signs, brochures and other information about the levy to use and pass along.

Next, Brown introduced Joel Wilson, the auctioneer for the evening. The live auction featured a slew of high-value items including football tickets, antique items and even vacation reservations.

Wilson livened things up as he began showing off the items and asking for higher bids. Some of the items climbed over $300 as bidding wars began between guests.

“I think it’s very well organized,” Rebekah Enis, of Maineville said about the auction. “I’ve been impressed with the nice presentation they’ve made with the items.”

Enis was invited by friends to attend the event and said she was touched when she found out the auction supported senior services.

Almost $40,000 was raised at the auction this year. The money will be used to help pay for the organization’s programs.