Hawks to again host auction, Wertz Warriors
The auction to raise money for the Wertz Warriors will be conducted tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Night Hawk Inn in Hawks. Many donated items will be up for auction including a number of new items such as a 13-inch color television, halogen work light, and John Deere toys. All auction proceeds will be donated to Special Olympics. There are also 30 gift certificates from area merchants, including golf packages at Stoney Links in Onaway, appliances, artwork by Steve Witucki, jackets, and many other items for the audience to bid on.
A $5 cover charge will admit the auction-goers and provide one free beverage. All the funds collected from the cover charge will go to Special Olympics. The Wertz Warriors are scheduled to arrive in Hawks tomorrow for a 30-minute stop at noon. They are expected to continue their journey to Black Mountain for lunch at the Chateau North. Lillian Wirgau of Hawks and a dedicated group of volunteers hope to reach the $10,000 mark this year and surpass the $9,500 raised a year ago. The auction will once against be handled by John Boyk.
In addition to the auction, there will be 50/50 drawings and a raffle. Top prizes in this year’s raffle are a 30.06 rifle with a scope along with a handcrafted quilt. This year’s ride of the Wertz Warriors has been dedicated to the memory of Pat Modos of Kalkaska, who died on the annual trek last year. The Warriors, who raised a half million dollars in 2004, have grown from a modest group of 31 riders and 15 support crew members to 72 riders and a 30-person support crew — more than 100 people.