United Way dessert auction set for Thursday

This year’s Roosevelt County United Way dessert auction has one main priority — to raise money for the charitable organization.

Two other priorities take precedence during this year’s auction, however — educating citizens about the United Way and honoring one of its biggest supporters.

The auction is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at The Roosevelt, with ticket prices set at $30. The evening will include musical entertainment, dinner (either steak or green chile stuffed chicken) and the auction.

The event, as always, will feature desserts made and purchased by local residents to benefit the United Way and the 12 organizations that it funds. Also on this year’s agenda is a bigger focus to let people know what the organization does.

“This year, we’re going to be more focused on actually talking more about the United Way,” said Board President Rusty Galloway. “Our presence has been more on the entertainment and the auction. This year, it’s going to be more on the education (of the sponsors) and a show of appreciation to our supporters.”

Also, Galloway said the event would give the board an opportunity to honor Rick Hauptmann, a longtime board member who opted to not take part this year.

“I’m very honored, but I didn’t expect that and I feel grateful for it,” said Hauptmann. “I don’t know what else to say.”

Hauptmann said he was on the board for nine years and served as board president for about two-thirds of that time. He tries to stay active with the board’s efforts.

“I’m still on the (Roosevelt County) Literacy Council (one of 12 organizations the United Way funds) and I’m still trying to stay active in the community, and I will be pushing the United Way as best I can,” Hauptmann said. “I still think it’s a great organization. I just ran out of steam personally.”

Hauptmann said he liked the direction of the current United Way board, especially its efforts to merge with the Curry County branch.

“I’m completely in favor of the (effort) to merge,” Hauptmann said. “I think that’s very important. I think it will go a long way in making the United Way effective in both counties.”

The boards have been meeting together this year, but all money raised stays within each respective board.

Tickets are available by calling the United Way (359-4455) or Galloway (356-4481, ext. 40), but Galloway said a limited number of tickets would be available at the door Thursday night.