The 23rd annual MCFEE 4Kids Virtual Auction is a unique opportunity for the community to come together and make a meaningful impact on the education of students at Manheim Central," said Amy Howett, executive director of MCFEE, the Manheim Central Foundation for Educational Enrichment.

The auction will run from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, through 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. Registration will open on Thursday, April 16, at 2 p.m.

The auction will feature more than 200 items and experiences, such as a family staycation package, golf packages, a Ninja Slushi bundle, a summer barbecue seafood package, summer fun and games, Phillies tickets, Manheim Farm Show Fast Pass, a smart bird feeder and Stiegel glass bluebird and a Sight & Sound Theatre experience.

"(There will also be) many gift cards and tickets to popular local restaurants, retail establishments, family attractions and activities, as well as our popular theme baskets and so much more," Howett said.

The auction will also include handcrafted items made by Manheim Central students. Doe Run Nature Club will showcase bluebird nesting boxes, while tech ed students from the high school will auction off a poly wood patio chair set. Handstitched Little Monsters characters created by art students from the middle school will also be highlighted.

Proceeds from the auction will support innovative and enhanced educational opportunities for Manheim Central students through teacher and school grants.

"For the 2025-26 school year, 40 teacher and district grants were awarded totaling $180,000," Howett said.

Grants were used to purchase high school tech ed equipment, a multispectral sensor drone for the high school agriculture department, items for the Baron Bookmobile and a middle school book vending machine and to fund videoconferences and virtual field trips. Additional grant recipients included the Doe Run Nature Club, Little Monsters, Dive Into Diesel, Baron Stage, the middle school WEB Program and Junior Achievement programs.

"Since 2001, MCFEE has provided over $2 million in teacher and school district grants," Howett explained. "MCFEE is committed to provide innovative educational experiences that foster excellence in education and inspire achievement."

Supporters of the virtual auction include Children's Champion main sponsors Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction, Buch Funeral Homes, DDMP Investment Advisors, Longenecker's Hardware Co., Rohrer's Inc., Lancaster Toyota Mazda, Lancaster Nissan and The Nevin & Doneen Dourte Family Trust.

Winning bidders may pick up their items at the Manheim Farm Show building off Adele Avenue in Manheim from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 21 and 22.

To participate in the auction, log onto http://www.bidpal.net/mcfee4kids26.