88.1 the Park hosted its annual Radio Auction Saturday, May 18. Local businesses, including restaurants, salons, cleaning services and many others donated items for bidding with Community Financial as the title sponsor. Gift cards, event tickets and signed memorabilia were just some of the things up for grabs.

The auction began at 9 a.m. and ended at 9 p.m. Every half-an-hour, eight new items were up for bidding. The staff members took calls and kept track of bids on a whiteboard in the station. When each half hour was up, the winners were called and new items went up for bid. Several 88.1 the Park alumni also donated money to the station, matching the amount made each half hour.

According to Bill Keith, 88.1 the Park’s Station Manager, over $17,000 was raised during the auction. The auction is the largest fundraiser the station holds and a vital source of money for the station. The funding allows the station to remain ad-free and run smoothly.

Julia Flora, Salem junior and Fundraising Director for 88.1 the Park, worked the auction for the third year in a row. Flora announced on air, updated the whiteboards, worked as the producer and engineered.

“It’s a pretty long day but it goes by super quick because you’re constantly doing something,” Flora said, “It’s pretty fun since you’re with everyone on staff all day and it’s satisfying to know that all of your hard work paid off once the day is over and you know how much you raised.”