Locations available for convenient drop off around the region

LACONIA—The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction is seeking items to auction off at its 44th annual event, which will run this year from Tuesday, Dec. 9 through Friday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Belknap Marketplace in Belmont.

Convenient drop off locations are now up and running.

Jennifer Kelley, executive director of the auction, said, “We’re looking for new, unused items, big and small. Gift cards are always a hit with our bidders. Other popular items include electronics, tools, tickets to sporting events, experiences, toys and services. You name it, we need it.”

Drop off locations are in:

ALTON: Irwin Marine, 396 Main St., and Meredith Village Savings Bank, 82 Wolfeboro Highway

ASHLAND: Meredith Village Savings Bank, 5 Riverside Drive

BELMONT: Baron’s Major Brands, 225 Daniel Webster Highway; Belmont Fire Dept, 14 Gilmanton Road; Mattress Firm, Belknap Marketplace, 96 Daniel Webster Highway; and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Belknap Marketplace, 96 Daniel Webster Highway

BRISTOL: Tapply Thompson Community Center, 300 North Main St.

CENTER HARBOR: Meredith Village Savings Bank, 28 State Route 25

FRANKLIN: Grevior Furniture, 440 Central St.

GILFORD: Bank of New Hampshire, 1441 Lake Shore Road Route 11 and 1 Country Club Road; Children’s Dentistry, 369 Hounsell Ave, Suite 1; Franklin Savings Bank, 11 Sawmill Road; Gilford Country Store, 1934 Lake Shore Road; Lakeshore Market & Deli, 28 Weirs Road, #4; Wine’ing Butcher, 28 Weirs Road; and Meredith Village Savings Bank, 1383 Lakeshore Road

LACONIA: Bank of New Hampshire, 62 Pleasant St.; Body Covers, 94 Primrose Drive North; Irwin Automotive Group, 59 Bisson Avenue; Irwin Hyundai, 446 Union Avenue; Irwin Chevrolet, 623 Union Avenue; Irwin Marine, 958 Union Avenue; and Meredith Village Savings Bank, 379 South Main St. Route 106

MEREDITH: Meredith Insurance Agency, 2 Lakes St., Suite 1, and Meredith Village Savings Bank, 71 NH Route 104 and 24 NH Route 25

MOULTONBOROUGH: Bank of New Hampshire, 960 Whittier Highway #25; For Your Eyes Only, 517 Whittier Highway; and Meredith Village Savings Bank, 991 State Route 25

PLYMOUTH: Meredith Village Savings Bank, 131 Main St.

WOLFEBORO: Meredith Village Savings Bank, 66 North Main St.

This year’s auction is presented by Hannaford Supermarkets.

For more information, visit childrensauction.org or call 603-527-0999. 

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

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LACONIA —The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction organizers are still eagerly seeking select 2025 sponsors to help support the organization and its mission to serve local, low-income children and families.

Most sponsorships have been taken by area businesses, but there are still several opportunities available.

A Max Bid sponsorship is available for $10,000 and six Location Sponsorships can be requested from $500 to $1,500.

Email Jennifer Kelley, the organization’s executive director, at Jenn@childrensauction.org to learn more and become a sponsor.

The 44th annual auction will be held this year from Tuesday, Dec. 9 through Friday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Belknap Marketplace in Belmont.

For drop-off locations, ornament locations, sponsorship opportunities and other auction-related news, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

The post Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction Still Seeks Several Select 2025 Sponsors appeared first on Beetle Press.

Auction site at the Belknap Marketplace in Belmont

LACONIA—The 44th annual Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction will be presented by Hannaford Supermarkets from Tuesday, Dec. 9 to Friday, Dec. 12, live at the Belknap Marketplace in Belmont. 

The auction airs daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each day will offer items up for bid, on-air fun and appearances from friends and neighbors throughout the community. On Friday, Dec. 12, auction volunteers will come together to announce the total funds raised for children and families in need. 

“Don’t miss it,” said Jennifer Kelley, executive director of the organization. 

Kelley thanked the Massachusetts-based Vernet Properties, which owns the marketplace, and other business leaders throughout the Lakes Region who continue to show their generosity to the auction as it raises funds to support local, low-income children and families. 

Can’t make it in person? There are so many ways to enjoy the Children’s Auction and bid on fantastic items for your family and friends. Viewers can tune into Channel 25 or stream at ChildrensAuction.org, laconiadailysun.com or Facebook.com/ChildrensAuction. Listen with Zack Derby and friends at Lakes 101.5 FM.

The auction is also seeking new, unused, non-perishable items, big and small. Gifts cards are always a hit with bidders. Other popular items include electronics, tools, tickets to sporting events, toys, services—you name it, we need it! Convenient item collection sites are now open throughout our region, including Alton, Ashland, Belmont, Bristol, Center Harbor, Franklin, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth and Tilton. Visit ChildrensAuction.org for details. 

And on Black Friday, Nov. 28, visit our collection site at the Belknap Marketplace and drop your items off between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30, items can be dropped there from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will also be accepting items the weekend before the auction week right at The Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and see us in person!

Bid online at ChildrensAuction.org, or over the phone during Auction week at 603-527-0999. 

Pre-bidding begins on Black Friday, Nov. 28, on items with a retail value of $300 and more. 

If you’re a business owner and have always wanted to get involved with the Children’s Auction, it’s not too late to become a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities exist at every level. Email us at Jenn@ChildrensAuction.org or call 603-527-0999 for more information on how your business can make a difference in the lives of children. 

Follow the auction on social media at Facebook.com/ChildrensAuction, Instagram.com/childrensauction603/ and Linkedin.com/company/greater-lakes-region-children-s-auction/.

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

The post Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction to be held Dec. 9-12 appeared first on Beetle Press.

$5,000 also raised for the Warren Bailey Community Service Scholarship

LACONIA—Hundreds boarded the M/S Mount Washington at Weirs Beach Friday night, selling out the 2025 Sweepstakes Social and raising $15,000 in cash prizes and $15,000 in matching cash to Pub Mania teams that support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction.

The sixth annual event also raised $5,000 for the Warren Bailey Community Service Scholarship, which awards $5,000 in grants each year to Lakes Region graduating seniors to support their college journeys.

The scholarship honors Warren Bailey, the founder of the Children’s Auction who passed away recently.

Coincidentally, the Sweepstakes Social was held only hours after a four-hour celebration of life for Bailey at Gunstock Resort. Many of those who attended the memorial were on board the Mount in the evening, continuing to honor a community hero.

“It was so appropriate that an event raising funds for the Children’s Auction and the scholarship in Warren’s name followed the celebration of his life,” said Event Organizer Jennifer Beetle.  “I think Warren would be very pleased with that.”  

Presenting sponsor Meredith Village Saving Bank and nine other local businesses supported the Sweepstakes Social, and Pub Mania Team Captain Judi Taggart of Tagg Team sold 59 event tickets and was given a shout-out on board for her efforts.

As party goers danced to music by Holycow! Music DJ, Jeff Lines, and enjoyed the late summer evening on the water, names were drawn intermittently for cash prizes. Individual winners received the prize and a matching amount went to the Pub Mania team they selected when purchasing their ticket.

“We had a blast on the Mount under perfect skies last night, and we’re grateful for all the support we received from teams that helped us sell out the event,” Beetle said. “We had lots of fun with a community of friends, and we did it for our region’s kids. That’s why we come out.”

Four $500 prizes went to Steve Wainwright and the Beetle Books team, June Hibbs and Tagg Team, Deb Peverly and Lakes Region Realtors, and Holly Ruggieri and Lakes of the Lake. 

Three $1,000 prizes went to Paul Ardizzoni, James Hutchins and Bill Finethy, with matching gifts for all three supporting Patrick’s Kings Corner. 

A $2,000 prize went to Susan Spooner-Bishop and Lakes Region Realtors; $3,000 to Bill Kaik and Body Covers; and the grand prize of $5,000 went to Wendy Beetle and Patrick’s Kings Corner.

Bailey founded the Children’s Auction as a one-day event in 1981, and over 44 years, it has grown into an organization that fundraises all year long and is supported by over 700 volunteers. The auction has raised over $9.2 million to fund local nonprofits.

Donations to the Warren Bailey Community Service Scholarship are accepted all year long via the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation. For more information, email scholarship@lrscholarship.org.

For more information about the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, visit childrensauction.org.

For more information about Pub Mania, visit patrickspub.com.

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LACONIA — The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction recently announced that Hannaford Supermarkets has committed to serving as the presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year for the 2025 Children’s Auction. 

“We are so grateful to Hannaford and the support they have offered us for decades in the form of auction items, employee volunteers and now six generous years as our presenting sponsor,” said Jennifer Kelley, executive director of the Children’s Auction. “Hannaford has proven time and time again that they are committed to our community and the families who call it home.”

Larry Poliquin, store manager in Bristol, is a longtime auction volunteer who has been heading up teams to assist the organization for roughly 30 years, as long as he has been a Hannaford store manager. He is also a board member and a member of the Distribution Committee that makes recommendations on how auction funds are dispersed. 

“Hannaford believes in the power of giving back to the communities it serves,” Poliquin said. “We are proud to support the Lakes Region and happy to partner with and bolster the Children’s Auction and other great organizations like it. We hope to continue to impact the region in our primary focus areas: hunger relief, health and wellness, and child development and families.”

Learn more about the auction at ChildrensAuction.org.

About Hannaford Supermarkets

Hannaford Supermarkets is a leading regional grocer operating 188 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Since 1883, Hannaford has been dedicated to delivering fresh, high-quality food with care, while creating “more good” in its communities. Guided by its purpose to cultivate thriving communities, Hannaford continues to build on its commitment to uncommon care by supporting local community partners, being the most welcoming place to work and shop, and taking thoughtful steps to protect the planet for future generations. In 2024, Hannaford donated more than 27.6 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and supported approximately 135 community partners across its footprint, helping expand access to fresh food, advance youth development, and support healthier lives. Headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, with stores in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com. 

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

The post Hannaford Supermarkets Continues Tradition as Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction appeared first on Beetle Press.

Application deadline is Oct. 15

LACONIA – The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction is accepting applications for funding until Oct. 15. Details and an online application are available at childrensauction.org.

Local nonprofit organizations that provide support to local children and their families in need are encouraged to apply for funding if they:

• Hold tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code and/or public agency status.
• Serve Greater Lakes Region’s children in need.
• Have a proven history of providing value to the children in the region.

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including a four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades, the organization has distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region.

For more information on how to apply and the kinds of organizations funded, visit childrensauction.org.

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports, and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

The post Deadline Nearing for Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction Funding Requests appeared first on Beetle Press.

LACONIA—Leaders of the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction are grateful for the support received for the annual Christmas in July boat event on the M/S Mount Washington, an initiative that raised just over $28,000 for the nonprofit this year.

Thanks go to the presenting sponsor, Juggernaut Fitness; Santa Sponsors, Ideal Block, The Xavier Group, Franklin Savings Bank and Amoskeag Beverages; Media Partners, The Laconia Daily Sun and Lakes 101.5 and the Hawk; and the Location Partner, M/S Mount Washington. 

Captain Smitty, celebrating 40 years with the M/S Mount Washington, and Joyce Janitorial Services each donated $1,000 on the boat that evening to help the auction reach its best year ever!

Because Jared Maraio, general manager of the M/S Mount Washington, matched ticket sales and added a generous donation, 300 children from local nonprofits the auction funds will get to take a free ride on the Mount on Aug. 6.

Highlights of the July event were a 50/50 raffle, through which the winner took home $760, a three-hour cruise complete with buffet dinner, an online auction and songs from Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative, as well as a visit from the Powerchords, who serenaded guests as they boarded.

“Who says Christmas magic is reserved for December? This event brought people together, and it raised money so that we can serve more children in need in the Lakes Region. It was a perfect win all around,” said auction Executive Director Jennifer Kelley.

All proceeds from Christmas in July benefit the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction.

To learn more about the Children’s Auction, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps community organizations in the Central New Hampshire region. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

The post Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction Raises Over $28,000 Through 2025 Christmas in July Event on The Mount Washington appeared first on Beetle Press.

LACONIA —The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction was recognized as a Gold Winner in three categories at the 2025 Best of the Lakes event in June.

The nonprofit was named Best Place to Volunteer, Best Charity Event and Best Annual Event. 

“This achievement reflects our commitment to serving the community,” said Executive Director Jennifer Kelley. “We are grateful for the outpouring of ongoing support from the community.”

The organization’s silent auction during the Best of the Lakes event on June 25 raised $1,715. “We owe a big thank you to the local businesses and organizations that generously donated items for the auction,” Kelley said. “Your contributions made this event a great success. We also appreciate everyone who participated and engaged in bidding. Your involvement made a significant difference.”

To learn more about the Children’s Auction, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps community organizations in the Central New Hampshire region. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

The post Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction Recognized as a Gold Winner in 2025 Best of the Lakes Event appeared first on Beetle Press.

All proceeds to benefit the Auction

LACONIA —For the third year, the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction will host a Christmas in July event on the MS Mount Washington on Thursday, July 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. to raise funds for local children and families in need.

Tickets cost $66 and include a performance by the PowerChords on the boardwalk, a three-hour cruise, buffet dinner, dancing and a selection of songs from the Powerhouse Collaborative Theatre’s upcoming August performance of “Elf,” the musical. 

The event offers a cash bar and a complimentary wine tasting by Hermit Woods Winery, live broadcasting from the Mount by Lakes 101.5 FM and 104.9 FM The Hawk. Santa and the Grinch will also be aboard the sunset cruise, and a silent auction and 50/50 raffle will be held. 

For the second year in a row, for every ticket purchased before June 28, a free ticket will be given to the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction so it can host a free daytime cruise on Aug. 6 for children who would not otherwise be able to get out on the water. 

For an additional $10 per car, passengers can secure a pre-purchased parking spot, and for another $10, select a seat on the Mount and board early.

All proceeds from Christmas in July benefit the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction.

Juggernaut Fitness is the Presenting Sponsor. Owner Anna Terry said, “We are pleased to be able to support the Children’s Auction as a sponsor, and we do so because we believe in the organization’s mission and trust its work to serve children and families in need in the lakes Region.”

Santa Sponsors are The Xavier Group, Ideal Block, Franklin Savings Bank, and Amoskeag Beverages. 

For more details visit ChildrensAuction.org.

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps community organizations in the Central New Hampshire region. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

The post Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction Hosts Christmas in July on The Mount Washington appeared first on Beetle Press.

LACONIA—The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator, and earned a four-star rating, the highest possible assessment.

Charity Navigator’s impartial, third-party evaluation validates that the organization is effective and reliable.

“This milestone achievement for the Children’s Auction couldn’t have happened without the community’s support,” said Jennifer Kelley, the auction’s executive director. “Thank you for being part of our family as contributors, funders, donors of items, sponsors, bidders, challenge teams and volunteers. Your trust and support help us make a difference for the local children and families in need that we serve.” 

To learn more about Charity Navigator and the auction’s rating, visit charitynavigator.org/ein/473815882.

For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit childrensauction.org or call 603-527-0999.

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $8.6 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

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