For more than five years, the Kingdom of Callaway Chamber of Commerce has been holding a silent auction to raise funds its operation.
"This is an opportunity for member businesses to donate items as a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce," said Robbie Smith, administrative assistant. "We are a non-profit agency, so this helps us with our costs."
Smith said last year, the organization raised $4,000.
"Not every business donates," she said. "It really depends on what the economy is like and how fluid some of the businesses are. This year, we've had 76 businesses or individuals donate. Some may donate multiple items, too."
Smith said the chamber has been pleased with this year's donations.
"We've already had bids, and I just started putting them on display this afternoon," she said.
To get a bid, people go to the Chamber of Commerce offices and pick up a number. They use that number to bid on items. Interested persons can bid at the chamber offices until Dec. 7. Then the items will be at the chamber after hours event at Ovid Bell Press. Bidding will take place until 6 p.m.
"We are optimistic about what we can bring in," Smith said. "People are really good about supporting the chamber, and we're really blessed about that. Not every group can say that. We've done really well this year, considering the economy and lack of some of our businesses being able to have really big money items."
Some of the items up for auction are an XBox 360 console with the new Kinect bundle from Ameren Missouri and a "Day of Golf with Rod Smith" from Naught Naught Agency.
The after hours event at Ovid Bell Press is from 5-7 p.m. and the theme is "Ugliest Christmas Apparel."