You don't have to leave your sofa to pick up some cool merchandise while making a difference for Manheim Central students. The Manheim Central Foundation for Educational Enrichment (MCFEE) will hold its annual MCFEE 4 Kids Auction virtually from Thursday, April 21, through Saturday, April 23.

"We're going to have over 30 premier auction packages," said Amy Howett, executive director of MCFEE. Items will include a Philadelphia Phillies package with four second-row seats to a game, followed by a Jake Owen concert; a "Whiskey Around the World" bourbon package; several packages to exclusive local golf clubs; and three Amish-made, king-size quilts. "We'll also have many gift baskets and more than 100 gift certificates to local businesses and experiences," Howett noted.

For the past two years, the event had been held virtually, and it went so well, organizers decided to do another virtual event this time around, Howett said. "We realized we did just as well virtually as we have with our in-person event," she stated. "Our expenses are lower with a virtual event, and we get wider audience participation." Although the event has been successful as an exclusively online fundraiser, Howett said next year's event may return to an in-person format to mark MCFEE's 20th year for the auction.

Money raised from the auction will be used by MCFEE to fund programs throughout Manheim Central School District. "Proceeds go toward innovative and creative classroom grants for Manheim Central," Howett explained. "We have funded over $1.4 million since 2001. This past year, we funded a weather station upgrade for the science department, various video conferences and virtual field trips." Proceeds have also funded Junior Achievement programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Lead sponsors of the auction are Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction, Longenecker's Hardware, Ruhl Insurance, DDMP Investment Advisors, Rohrer's Quarry, Buch Funeral Home, Lancaster Toyota, Lancaster Nissan and Lancaster Mazda.

Participation in the auction is easy, Howett said, and she encourages anyone to join in the fun. "It's very simple to bid from anywhere on any mobile device or computer," she stated. "It's a lot of fun, and sometimes, people can get into friendly bidding wars. We'll have something for everyone at the auction, and when you participate, you'll be taking an active role in promoting innovative learning in the district."

Winning bidders may pick up their items at the Manheim Farm Show building off Adele Avenue in Manheim during the week following the auction. For more information on the auction, visit https://mcfee4kids.org. Once the auction goes live on April 21, visit http://www.bidpal.net/mcfee4kids to participate.