What has happened to the St Judes auction wars??

[Don Batten]

Guys I remember when I couldn't wait to get home from work to read who was bidding against who. From big $ to
small $ there was always alot of entertainment and trash talking going on. Now all I hear is crickets chirping.
If any of you guys are new from last 10 or so years, you should search and read some of the old threads. I know alot of the characters have drifted away from hear but we use to have a blast with this auction. I couldn't believe it was only 3 forums with one page each. I realize it's hard times and believe me I'm not trying to belittle anyone.
You do what you feel you can. I'm just saying there is alot of fun being missed that could be had. I've met some
life long friends through this site and the St Jude auction. Not trying to call out anyone just making an observation and hope if you just don't know about how it works, you will take time to search and learn. If I knew how I'd bring some of the classic duels back up for all to read. DB

[smokin joe]

I have been wondering the same thing. I guess that inflation and other pressures are squeezing folks a little bit. But, I have a couple of things that I have my eye on that I will bid up if I can.

[Paul/KS]

There's some pretty hot action going on over a frying pan I hear...

[2fletch]

i agree Don. I have enjoyed this auction for the kids in the past. This year it seems a little slow. It's a lot easier to donate if you know it's going to bring a good price for the kids. Gotta go now. Got to get up some more stuff.

Maybe we need more like Bernie. He was a big contributor, and enjoyed the kids.

[tippit]

Don,
You are right. I haven't been into forging this year but in the past I've given multiple forged knives...so I need to kick it into gear. During the covid crunch, I stayed on the farm and forged a lot of blades. So if one of the guys in in charge of listings sees this, I'd like to donate another knife. This a large Rifleman's knife with stained deer antler handle more for black powder reenactments. There isn't a sheath as I don't do leather work anymore ..tippit

[tippit]

Actually just for the fun of it, lets make this listing a winners choice. This knife is a historic rendition of a Nessmuck knife from the 1840's. Look up George Washington Sears...pretty cool guy!

Winner gets the Choice of the Rifleman's knife (previous post) or the Nessmuck  knife...tippit

[elkken]

Where's the Pound Cake ???

[bama]

Always been a fun time and there is not a better cause. 

[rastaman]

I remember when cookies went for mega $.  Yes, a lot of those guys are no longer with us. It was a lot of fun to say the least!  All in all, it's still for a really good cause!

[Bigriver]

I have always bid on things and donated to the Auction. Sometimes I even bid against myself just to run up the numbers for fun. I have spent thousands of dollars. But speaking for my self and a few people I know, when St. Jude kicked us in the nuts, I choose to donate elsewhere. Not saying I won't donate or participate in the future, but it was the reality for me this year. It could be a factor for others too.

[Wudstix]

Seems that this year there are several books I would have bid on, if I didn't acquire them this year through trades, etc...
 

[Terry Green]

Yes, $6,000 cookies donated by Mrs Coots...

$7,000 pound cakes for little Miss Delany....

The story of those and MLK Corp and Biggie and his markers was great.

The auction took a hit during the 2009 years as we all know what a debacle the housing bubble was along with bank and big company bale outs.  It never seemed to rebound back to the $90,000ish years.  It stayed at around  30 to 50 thousand for years, then the pandemic and the economy cut it to 25 to 30 thousand the last couple of auctions.

And yes, of lot of the big donors and bidders have gotten older ans some don't even hunt anymore.

Just gotta keep striving those, the kids still need help.