From Radio Spots to Real Impact: 40 Years of the Bids for Kids Auction

“Hi, This is Jerry Higley from True Life Youth Ministries in Lebanon.

I’M INVITING YOU TO OUR ANNUAL BIDS FOR KIDS AUCTION,

HELD AT THE LEBANON EXPO CENTER MARCH 20^th & 21st.

AUCTION PROCEEDS BENEFIT PROGRAMS SUCH AS OUR WEEKLY CLUBS, CAMPING PROGRAMS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS, ALL DESIGNED TO BUILD A COMMUNITY OF YOUNG LIVES CHANGED BY JESUS CHRIST.

FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, VISIT OUR WEBSITE: TRUELIFEYOUTH.COM.

THAT’S TRUELIFEYOUTH.COM.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!”

If that sounds familiar, it's because that's the 30-second radio spot I recorded year after year for the True Life auction. I recorded that at WJTL so often that I could usually record it in one take. When I did, I was very proud of myself! And, year after year, I’d hear the same comments from my friends, “Jerry, you have a face for radio.” I need new friends!

Now that I’m retired, I’m not doing the radio spot, but I was asked to write this blog. I’m honored to do so because this year, True Life is celebrating our 40^th annual auction! If you’ve attended all 40, raise your hand. As the old pastors would say, “I see that hand.” On behalf of all the young people who have benefited from your generosity, thank you!

This wonderful community event is happening very soon, March 20^th & 21^st, at the Lebanon County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. There will be great merchandise, tasty food, and of course, free parking and admission. For up-to-the-date merchandise and times, I suggest visiting our website at www.truelifeyouth.com. 

True Life’s mission is to transform our community by reaching urban youth and their families for Jesus Christ. The auction is much more than just a fundraising event. It’s a valuable tool that enables our staff and volunteers to faithfully minister to the needs of children and teenagers every week. That’s exactly why our annual auction is so critical. As our ministry expands, our financial support must grow as well. This year, our goal is to raise $110,000.00 through the Bids For Kids Auction. To reach that goal, we will need the generous, personal support of you and many others like you. Every bid that you make at this year's auction will move us closer to achieving our goal of providing True Life with the valuable tools and resources needed to help young people find their true life in Jesus Christ.

Long after the auction is over, we will still be ministering to local children and youth every week. Thanks for your interest in this year’s auction. And, in advance, thanks for your prayers and support during the rest of the year. 

Before I close, I want to thank every volunteer, every donor, and every bidder for making the auction a success. Together, you are making a difference in the lives of the youth of our community. Above all, I want to thank God for faithfully providing the resources True Life needs to effectively reach young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing you at this year’s Bids for Kids Auction!

Warmly in Christ,

Jerry E. Higley

Retired Executive Director