Ciara Parizek/MDN Louis “Mac” McLeod stands next to the podium, where he spoke with guests on Saturday at the silent auction at the Grand Hotel.

The Minot Area Homeless Coalition held its annual silent auction at the Grand Hotel in Minot on Saturday.

The coalition had many items up for auction on five tables, having some larger items standing alone. Baskets of products from Mary Kay, infant items, blankets and stuffed animals, and board games were among the many items spread around the Grand Ballroom, waiting for someone to take them home. Signed memorabilia from Mariska Hargitay, Robert Downey Jr., Jonathan Franks, Chris Pratt and Gabriel “Fluffy” Igelsias were “fought over,” according to MAHC Executive Director Louis “Mac” McLeod.

On a sixth table next to the podium were “mystery bags.” One ticket was needed for two of the paper bags containing unknown items. The staff said guests could “squeeze or shake them” before deciding which ones they wanted to take. The table was full with bags labeled for women, men and children, each group also having a box behind the table – full to refill the spaces as the event went on.

This particular auction was the first conducted as a stand-alone silent auction. In previous years, the MAHC held an awards banquet and the auction would follow. To participate in the auction, attendees were required to be at the banquet. The 14-hour days were long and tedious, the large attendance wearing on staff and volunteers. Doing the silent auction by itself opened it up to the public and made things a lot easier for everyone involved.

McLeod said all the items sold and the funds raised will go toward a good cause, allowing the MAHC to continue its work.