For the first time, the annual Hospice & Community Care Labor Day Auction will be held at the Solanco Fairgrounds, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on September 3 and 5. This free auction brings thousands of attendees each year and proceeds benefit patients and families receiving hospice and palliative care, as well as bereavement support. Last year’s Labor Day Auction raised more than $520,000.

The auction has been held at the Lampeter Fire Company for the past 15 years. Increased attendance and growth of the auction required more space, available at the Solanco Fairgrounds, including several additional buildings, allowing every auction to be under one roof.

“We’ve seen tremendous growth through our partnership with the Lampeter Fire Company, and we are grateful for their support over the past 15 years,” says Bonnie Jess Lopane, Vice President for Development & Community Relations at Hospice & Community Care. “Our goal is to continue to increase funds raised to support Hospice patients and families, while providing a fun and enjoyable event for the community.”

Attendees can still look forward to all the auction staples, such as homemade Amish food including breakfast logs, sticky buns, barbequed chicken and fresh fruit pies; a sports memorabilia auction sponsored by Blue Ridge Cable, with guest auctioneer and Sports Talk host, Eric May; a specialty quilt auction sponsored by Rodgers & Associates; vacations; fine furniture and jewelry; outdoor furniture; plants; and used cars. New this year is a fine art auction sponsored by NITRO Cutting Services/Herr & Sacco, which features signed local artwork, as well as an original Norman Rockwell valued at $75,000.

The Labor Day Auction Raffle, sponsored by Family Owned Markets, gives ticket holders a chance at a 2016 Ford Mustang and cash prizes of $1,000 or $2,000. Tickets can be purchased online, at various community events listed on HospiceCommunity.org or at the auction.

Auction-goers will have an opportunity to provide care and support for one patient’s day of care with a contribution of $178 at the event’s Day of Care auction, sponsored by Engle Printing and Publishing.

Hospice & Community Care has been partnering with local businesses, individuals and volunteers to grow this successful event over the past 32 years. All proceeds from the Labor Day Auction, presented by Turkey Hill Dairy since 2000, directly benefit patients and families receiving hospice care, and bereavement support through the Pathways Center for Grief & Loss.

Location: 101 Park Ave., Quarryville. For more information, call 717-295-3900 or visit LaborDayAuction.com for a schedule.