On behalf of the Chinese Auction Committee of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA), the MSOA has announced that the upcoming 31st annual Chinese Auction for Charity will take place on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

This event has raised more than $383,000 over the past 30 years for the benefit of worthy local charities as well as the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in New Jersey and New Vocations Racehorse Adoption in Ohio. All proceeds of the auction are donated to charity. Due to COVID-19, the MSOA was unable to host a 2020 auction.

Doors will officially open at 5 p.m. with the drawings to begin around 7 p.m. in the Washington Grand Ballroom. A buffet dinner will be provided by the MSOA along with a cash bar. Prizes can be viewed and tickets can be purchased beginning at 1 p.m. on the day of the event; winners need not be present for the drawing.

"We want to thank all our generous donors over the past years," said Janet Campbell, Chinese Auction Chair. "This event is a long-standing tradition hosted by the MSOA and has broken every record, every year! We know 2020 and 2021 have been trying for all, but we hope we can once again count on you for your donation. Please consider donating a prize. Some suggestions for your prize donations are gift certificates for area restaurants, baskets of cheer, holiday decorative items or apparel, tickets to sporting events or theater shows, cash, horse supplies, items related to your business, lottery tickets, horse-related jewelry or clothing. We welcome all gifts, and they are tax deductible."

Prizes can be left at the MSOA during regular business hours. Please be sure to include your name with your donation. The MSOA is requesting donations be delivered to the MSOA office by November 28 to be included on the “prize list.” Prizes also can be sent to Janet Campbell, Chinese Auction Chair, 9711 Downing Place, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Please contact the MSOA or Janet Campbell with any questions.

Tickets start at $1; larger gifts are $2 or 3 for $5. A few prizes — including cash — are valued over $500, and these tickets are $5 each. For every $100 you spend, you will receive $10 worth of any colour tickets free. Credit cards, cash and cheques made payable to CHHA will be accepted.

(With files from MSOA)