Standard Lions Club hosts annual stag auction

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Standard Lions Club hosted their annual stag auction, Dec. 6, at the Standard Community Hall, raising money to put back into the local community.

“We started this in the early 60s, and a lot of communities do these stag auctions, and it is for community betterment. This is one of the Standard Lions Club’s biggest fundraisers of the year,” said Michael Rasmussen, chairman of the Standard Lions Club. “The money that comes out of this goes to our arena, our curling rink, our library, the tennis courts, outdoor arena, everything in town. That is what we support.”

Rasmussen said even if the Standard Lions Club does not have a major project ongoing, if there is aid they can provide to their local community, they will do so.

Last year, the stag auction raised an estimated $67,000 which, through an assortment of projects, made its way back to the local community.

“There is always upkeep with the community hall and the hall board always needs some money if we are buying new tables or chairs – those are expensive. The outdoor arena, we always help with the compressors,” said Rasmussen. “(Organizations) will send us a letter and they have to come to a Lions meeting and talk to us and they have to show us their books to make sure they do not have the money to do something, then we will fess up and do it.”

He said many communities would not be able to maintain amenities such as rodeo grounds, tennis courts, and outdoor arenas without the support of local Lions clubs.

The items up for auction were donated through a variety of partners throughout Strathmore, Drumheller, Hussar, and Cochrane, among others.

Turnout for the Dec. 6 auction attracted an estimated 130 people from throughout the county, which Rasmussen explained was a relatively average amount for the auction.

“Hussar has about the same, Rockyford, they are a little bit less but they are about the same – they get a few less items than we get, but it works out to be about the same. Rockyford did very well this year,” said Rasmussen. “All the Lions clubs, it is the same programs, it is for community benefit. That is what we are about.”

In addition to hosting the auction, the event was preceded by a cocktail hour as well as provision of a dinner buffet and bar for those who purchased tickets to participate. All proceeds from the event are to be utilized for eventual community benefit.