ASHFIELD — Among the items that received the highest bids at Sunday’s auction held for the Ashfield Community Hall and Community Preschool were a painting by Jim Murphy, which sold for $350, and a watercolor by Nina Coler, which sold for $250.
The auction, which was held in the historic hall, included items from paintings to furniture to lawn mowers.
This year, a total of $4,350 was raised, the proceeds of which are going to preschool and a new handicapped-access fund for the Community Hall.
Nina Coler, president of the Community Hall, said the auction fundraiser not only will help the Community Hall get a handicapped ramp, but help the preschool to function.
“We’re working to make the community hall accessible,” said Coler. “The preschool fundraiser will help to keep doors open and keep the place running. They offer a lot of scholarship.”
She said the auction is held every other year and this is the third auction they’ve hosted.
There were over 150 items donated and 25 gift cards available. By the end of the auction, everything was sold.
Over 30 people attended the auction, some to support one or both of the community groups or to find items to purchase.
Nancy Hoff, member of the board of directors for the Community Hall and the Community Preschool, said the preschool used to host auctions and decided to join forces with the Community Hall to fundraise.
“This is a good way to raise funds,” Hoff said. “It’s nice for the community and gives people a chance to clear their garages, too.”
Resident Renee Rastofer said she came to find interesting items, she purchased a collage.
“You can get the most incredible things here,” said Rastofer. “Plus, it’s for charity, and you can find local art that is extremely valuable.”
Rastofer’s husband, Harry Keramidas, said he attended because he wanted to see what types of items were available.
“I came to support the community hall, too,” Keramidas said. “I think this is an interesting part of town.”
After passing by, Adam Liebling said he stopped by to see people in the community and help the groups in need.
“It’s a great thing when all different people in the community work to do more and be creative to share and swap items with one another,” Liebling said. “It’s nice to see people and be part of the town and community.”