When Dionne Hopson approached near the end of the evening to be inducted into the Lions, he gave some news of his own.  His employer Hope Auto would add $2,000 more to this year's tally. 

The evening for the Lions in Hempstead Hall's Spring Hill room, where the tables were laden with holiday candies and wooden figurine centerpieces, here a Nutcracker, there a Ms. Santa Claus chef, was a celebration of a year of volunteer work that included many fish fries and many institutions, individuals and families helped.  

Assessing last week's auction before the number was announced, Lions President James Bradford said, "We had a lot of stuff, and it went through very smoothly. And we're proud of the turnout from the community supporting us, and very, very appreciative."

We asked Bradford what memory he will retain from 12 hours in three days of hosting the auction. "Mark Ross was there three nights in a row this year, and that was a good thing. We actually got to use Mark Ross this year, so we're appreciative of that."

Lion Ross, whose health allowed him to not only be on hand for the duration, but take several one-hour shifts as auctioneer, said of his experience, "At times it could be nerve-racking trying to keep up. You know I'm not a professional auctioneer at all, and I've just filled in the gap the last couple years. Apparently I guess I do okay, because they keep asking me to to continue. 

"I just like being able to call out the merchants, because I do know most of them. I can identify them either by owner name or address and it's just fun to sit up there and see how many merchants actually donate to the Hope Lions club each year."

Lion Steve Montgomery, who with his wife Celia, was instrumental in the event, said in an email today, "I thought it went really well this year. It always amazes me we have items from $5 gift cards to tin roofing material and particle board that are high-priced items.  While we would not be able to have an auction without individuals and businesses in Hope and Hempstead County, we received items from Little Rock, Texarkana, Hot Springs and other communities. The most unique items were from Southern Aluminum in Magnolia. They provided two unique tables but also a high-end digital display board that we have never auctioned before."

Ross thanked merchants and individuals who could not give merchandise but did give gift cards and cash.  

Past president Claudia Griffin was thankful to Lions Secretary Karen Smith who stood in for Griffin who was absent one of the nights because of her husband James' having had a stroke.  But he had recovered enough to join her when she went Friday and Saturday.  

"We are so fortunate that we live in a community who are so generous in helping our fellow citizens," Claudia Griffin said. "Although the economy is not the best, and our bidding crowd seemed a little smaller this year, people generously donated items, and people bid well for the items.  Many others donated cash.  The Hope Lions were generous with their time in procuring items to auction.  The proceeds will allow us to serve our community in many ways throughout the year."  

Sheba's catered the prime rib dinners, served with iced tea and a dessert of bread pudding drizzled in cherry syrup.   As well as presiding over the induction of new member Hopson, Bradford briefed the Lions on what they will be doing in a week, assembling and delivering those Christmas grocery boxes to families chosen from applications sent in over the past couple weeks.

Recounting a period when he and his own family struggled financially when they lived in Oklahoma, Bradford said a new friend he had met there had been crucial for his and his family's survival by providing a generous cash donation.  But as a Lion, he has been able to pass that gesture on to others.

"I tell you what this the one time I've got to do this, as far as delivering a box or two, and I have done it, there's nothing like a blessing you receive. I tell you, guys, this will touch you in ways you've never been touched before.  When we fill those boxes and take them to somebody, it's going to make them feel the same way it did me that time. It gives them a thing called H, O, P, E, hope.  The Lions are going to do that this year."