One hundred plus Mineola High School students raised more than $3,000 at the Second Annual Key Club Silent Auction held on April 14. The proceeds plus $1,000 remaining in the Key Club budget will be donated to the family of 10-year-old Katie Holzknecht of Mineola to make modifications to their home that will enable her to move up and down stairs in her wheelchair.

The Key Club became involved through the charitable construction organization Christmas in April. ÒAt first I was going to have my tech prep students work on it, but we decided to take the fund-raising approach,Ó Robert Miller, advisor of the Key Club.

After the success of last yearÕs auction (the first annual), Òwe decided to do it again,Ó said Rachel Mosten, Key Club president. ÒLittle did we know how much work it would be.Ó

Key Club members and officers went to shops and restaurants in Mineola, Williston Park and Albertson to ask for donations. ÒThere were times we didnÕt think we could do it,Ó Moston said, Òbut weÕre glad we did.Ó

Miller added, ÒThey really had to exercise the ability to be salespeople.Ó Parents of Key Club members and teachers were also among the generous contributors.

Among the items donated for the auction were; an authentic redwood Adirondack chair made by Key Club advisor Paul Sommer that was sold for $300; an authentic New York Jets helmet autographed by Vinny Testaverde, Brian Cox, and Wayne Cherbet; and one free night of babysitting offered by none other than Key Club co-secretaries Kim Rossi and Sarah Helmich.

Aside from auctioning services and items, students and teachers volunteered and were invited to take part in the bachelor/bachelorette silent auction. The bachelors/bachelorettes and their winning bidders had dinner at MassaroÕs on Mineola Blvd.

Key Club treasurer Leslee Brown said, Ò[The bachelor/bachelorette auction] was nice and it went really smooth.Ó

Miller expressed his gratitude to Frank Massaro for his contribution and use of his restaurant.

The auction, which was held on the same night as the Mineola Combined Band Concert, did a lot more than benefit the Holtzknechts. ÒAt a time where pep rallies are losing studentsÕ interest, and we donÕt have dances anymore, this really brought the whole school together,Ó Miller said.

The Key Club has decided to hold the auction every year because of its success and the unity, according to Miller and the students. ÒThe community came together in typical Mineola fashion and we raised a lot of money,Ó Miller said.

Brown added, ÒItÕs the 'Key' in Key Club.Ó

Miller also mentioned that in light of the tragedy at Columbine High School in Colorado, this was something to prove how kids and the community work together. ÒIf you could see all the kids involved...it was joyous,Ó said Miller. ÒIt rekindles my spirit.Ó

Miller and the Key Club officers plan to present a check for $4,000 to the Holzknecht's within the next two weeks.

Among the plans for the successful Key ClubÕs remaining school year include donating the profits of their famous shaved ice sales to the family of Mineola High School sophomore Tessa Thomas who has become ill and in need of assistance with health care costs.