The COVID-19 Pandemic has set individuals and groups rethinking fundraising ideas.

This is true for Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, which will have its’ annual fundraising auction this Saturday, Feb. 27 at the former Gordman’s store, 2400 S. Main. The auction begins at 10 a.m.

“Traditionally, the auction is known for a great crowd, good food, and lots of good deals,” said Executive Director Ginger Nance.  “This year, the need remains for financial support for the Good Samaritan Program and other resident-centered programs.  However, the auction looks different this year.  We will not provide food or raffles or any of the usual festivities.”

The auction helps fund programs to benefit the elderly residents who live at the assisted living facility.

“The 2021 auction benefits resident programs at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village,” Nance said. “Our mission is to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.  Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have had to pivot and rethink the way we serve the mission and how the community can interact with our mission.”

“Due to the pandemic, our campus has really limited the public’s access and even at times restricted the access of visitors and guests,” she said.  “We have to be incredibly careful in keeping our residents and staff safe.  So, the auction items moved out of our storage and to a place where folks can go.”

The auction has been moved to the former Gordman’s building on South Main Street, in between Hibbits and Tractor Supply stores.

The auction is usually in May, but this year will be February 27.

“Everyone’s lives have changed because of the pandemic and so have schedules,” Nance said.  “The collection of items has been growing since late 2019 in preparation for the 2020 event.  Imagine our collection now…almost a year and a half later.  We are busting at the seams.  By moving the auction site, it allows all of the stored items to be removed so access to resident vehicles is easy.  As they say, the show must go on.  So February is as good of a time as any.  We just hope the weather is good and people are understanding.”

The Village received grant funds to help with COVID-19 issues.

The facility received Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas grant money in the fall of 2020 in the amount of $84.000

“With the help of leadership at our home office, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village submitted an application in August of 2020 for Personal Protection Equipment, technology enhancement for screening and resident communication, staffing, and testing expenses,” Nance said. “We were also able to use the funds to facilitate safe visiting for family members, four stations have been established inside doorways of the community and set up with coffee machines, rolling carts, trash cans, and tables for visitation. There are also enhancements for the life enrichment team to have a rolling station of activities for residents.”

“The staffing dollars allocated helped us with payroll for employees that traditionally work in one department but are needed in other areas to assist,” she said.  “It also helped with payroll for employees that were exposed to COVID while working.  The SPARK money has been a blessing beyond measure!  It has allowed for PPE, testing, monitoring, infection control, and reopening supplies to be purchased and available at all times for staff and residents use to keep everyone safe to the best of our ability.”

“We are grateful to have the assistance of the PMMA organization to secure grants and other stimulus money that has helped us during such a challenging time in health care,” she said.

“It is important to recognize the amazing support from donors, volunteers, and families who have given donations to the Presbyterian Village and our system and I cannot thank those donors enough!  It truly takes a ‘village’ of people to pull together during challenging times.”

“We have a great community of people who have given crafts, books, hobby items and financial donations to help keep our residents engaged during what seemed like a very long year of social distancing,” she said.

“Our team’s energy and focus is committed to serving our seniors in the best possible way and without God and the assistance of our supportive community we couldn’t be successful,” Nance said.