The Tipp Monroe Community Services’ annual purse auction to benefit their “Lunch on Us” summer lunch program, was held on March 16, at the Tipp City Global Methodist Church, 8 W. Main Street in downtown Tipp.

The live auction of 55 designer purses raised approximately $15,000 of the $60,000 needed to fund this summer’s program. Final numbers from the silent auction, 50/50 raffle, additional luncheon fundraisers, and monetary donations will be available at a later date. TMCS staff reports the proceeds could exceed last year’s fundraiser.

The sold-out event saw 200 people in attendance, and Galen Gingerich returned as auctioneer. StoryPoint Senior Living facility, located in Troy, donated the meals for the luncheon. More than 70 supporters from the community and surrounding communities, including many downtown merchants and businesses, contributed to the event’s success.

This is my 14th year as the kitchen manager for the Lunch On Us program,” said Renee Johnson, a cook at the Tipp Middle School. “I enjoy working for the program because I like to feed the children and there’s a need. I have my summers off since I work in the school cafeteria during the school year, so I try to make it fun. The Tipp City Global Methodist Church donates their kitchen space for us to use, and we are always looking for volunteers. We need about five people per day from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. to help serve about 150-175 lunches each afternoon,” said Johnson.

The “Lunch on Us” program feeds hungry children in Tippecanoe and Monroe Township. Since its inception in 2010, more than 75,000 meals have been served. The program will begin June 10 - August 16 and run Monday through Friday at the Tipp City Global Methodist Church. Lunches will not be served Monday, July 1 through Friday, July 5.

Individuals interested in volunteering or contributing monetary donations should visit or call the TMCS office. The TMCS office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, and is located at 3 East Main St. in downtown Tipp City. For more information, please call 937-667-8631, or visit their website: tmcomservices.org.

Tipp Monroe Community Services is a local nonprofit organization responsible for identifying and filling the needs of Tipp City and Monroe Township residents. TMCS provides recreational, educational, cultural, and social services programs.

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