Auction aims to help children with critical illnesses

It is clear from the minute Priscilla Cunningham finishes a sentence that she's all about helping those less fortunate.

Cunningham is the second vice president of the women's auxiliary AMVET working with child welfare programs.

On Nov. 12, an auction will happen to raise money to benefit "Special Wish," not to be confused with "Make a Wish."

The former supports kids with life-threatening illnesses; the latter gives wishes to critically ill children.

Cunningham says items up for auction include tires, gift certificates and many other things.

"We're hoping to find a child in Knox County to honor this year, said Cunningham. Pam Spring, event/volunteer coordinator at A Special Wish Foundation, Inc., wasn't sure who the kid would be. She said she is looking for someone in either Licking, Richland, or Knox counties."

The Special Wish Foundation began in 1982 in Columbus. Recipients of "a special wish" range from birth to age 20.

The Amvets #95 Ladies Auxiliary auction is celebrating 21 years. The benefit will begin at 1 p.m. on Nov. 12 at 206 West Ohio Ave. in Mount Vernon. The goal is to raise $5,000. That's what it takes to send a deserving kid and family on a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Fla., said Cunningham.

At a Dec. 13 meeting, a presentation will take place to present the check to A Special Wish Foundation. "I hope we have a candidate by then," said Cunningham.