Written by Amanda Coers – Residents at the Chatfield Assisted Living Facility participated in a fast and furious auction courtesy of Kevin and Tracy Barclift with TNK Auction Services. Also assisting in the event were Jackie and Sherry Ferguson. The group wanted to do something fun to give back to their community, and Kevin got the idea to host an auction for the residents while attending an auctioneer conference.

A welcome change from activities normally found within assisted living facilities, the TNK crew brought baskets with a variety of items to auction, and provided “TNK bucks” for the residents to spend, costing them nothing at all to participate.

Residents gathered and the bidding began, with chants of “Now who’ll give me a buck, one buck, I need a buck,” from Barclift. In true auction style, hands holding bidder cards were raised and friendly competition to score the gift baskets broke out among the residents.

“I’m a buck short, story of my life,” joked one resident after just missing a winning bid.

Residents who didn’t win a gift basket didn’t leave empty handed, as the TNK crew handed out gift mugs filled with treats.

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“It’s a way for them to have something fun to do,” said Tracy Barclift. The fun certainly didn’t end after the auction. Residents were encouraged to keep their TNK bucks for another auction session to be held at the facility in June 2017 and again next December. The activity director was left with a stack of TNK bucks to give to residents when they attend facility activities throughout the year. The more activities attended, the more bucks would be earned, and the greater chance of sweeping the next auction.

“We want to encourage them to participate and stay active,” said Barclift.

The TNK Auction crew also held sessions at the Vicksburg in Brownwood, and will be contacting other assisted living facilities in the area to do the same.