The East Haddam Community Lions were roaring Dec. 3 during the third annual Light Up the Holidays Silent Auction summation party at the Rathbun Free Memorial Library. The auction officially began Nov. 22 when all the donated wreaths, holiday trees and Christmas decorations were put on display at the library, soliciting bids.

Funds for this event will support the fuel bank, food bank and Youth and Family Services. Other causes the Community Lions benefit include the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation, Low Vision Center of Eastern Connecticut and Lions Club International Foundation and Sight First.

The party included wine, entertainment, a table heaped with goodies and a final opportunity for bidding. Bud Haines played guitar all evening and an impromptu holiday sing-along added to the festive atmosphere.

Mary Lee Abkemeier and Linda Bradshaw co-chaired the event, which Bradshaw had initiated two years ago.

All of the donated pieces were striking, giving the room a sparkle. The 60 items up for bid were twice as many as last year, with each acknowledging the donor.

Resident Carol Adams helped put the number of biddable items over the top by donating 13 pieces.

"I've believed in recycling since I was a kid," Adams says. "I had a lot of ornaments put away in boxes. I didn't want to just get rid of them. I thought this was a good cause, so I remade them. Everything looks so beautiful in the library with the natural light."

One of the most popular items was the Lavangela Tree, which Adams had decorated with old ornaments. Some of these were handmade angels Adams designed and made out of baby food lids while still a teenager.

In the frenetic last half-hour, as people tried to outbid each other, friendship and family ties were second fiddle. Many stood so firmly behind the piece they wanted, they almost dared anyone to make another bid. Of course, it was all in fun and to raise funds for good causes.

Pat Thomas, pitted against her cousin in the bidding, won the Lavangela Tree. "I like the colors. I like the angels. I want to take it to my granddaughters for their room. I really like that the angels are made from baby food tins from years ago."

For information, visit http://easthaddamcommunitylions.com

Alice Stelzer can be reached at a.stelzer@sbcglobal.net.