LILLINGTON - Auctioneer Ricky Wicker of R&W Auctions, in Sanford, was having a great time as he auctioned off items at the Central Carolina Community College Foundation's Annual Furniture Auction June 7 at the college's Harnett County Campus. The auction raised over $25,000.

"It's going to snow in a couple of months and your dog's going to be cold," Wicker said as he began the bidding on an A-frame dog house with weather-resistant roof. Then, as he auctioned off an old-fashioned oak glider bench, he warned the crowd, "There's not but one and you're going to be sitting on the ground."

From a solid oak dining table and chairs to a split A-roof horse barn, the more than 95 pieces of handcrafted wood and metal work were created by students in CCCC's carpentry and welding classes at Harnett Correctional Institution. Among the many pieces were lawn furniture, an armoire, a quilt chest, yard decorations, outdoor sheds and a gazebo.

Proceeds from the auction help provide financial aid for Harnett County students at the college through an endowed scholarship fund managed by the CCCC Foundation. The proceeds also pay for materials used to produce the auction items.

CCCC Harnett Provost Bill Tyson said there are currently 10 students receiving scholarships funded by the Foundation's Furniture Auction.

"These students wouldn't be able to attend college without this funding," he said. "The auction is also a community event. It is a way to get our HCI students involved in the community. It's always a great feeling to work on projects that connect to other people."

This is the fourth year that Terri and Dave Stratton, of Fuquay-Varina, have attended the auction. Terri, a former chaplain at HCI, said that she would go into the HCI classrooms every day just to watch the students work.

"The quality of work that goes into these items is just amazing," she said. "The students are so excited about their work and take real pride in it. They are thrilled to know that people will take these pieces home and use them."

CCCC carpentry instructor Edward Taylor said the students use only the finest materials.

"They take a lot of interest in their work, and it shows," Taylor said. "The people who attend the auction know the quality of craftsmanship in each piece. The auction has become an annual tradition for many of them."

Wicker said he really enjoys the event.

"I know that all of the money is going back into the community," he said. "I just love to come down here and be a part of it."

At the conclusion of the auction, Barbara Lloyd, of Lillington, and grandson John Stephenson, a senior at Cleveland High School, in Smithfield, loaded up purchases that included a porch bench, picnic table and two jewelry boxes.

"I'm excited about each piece and can't wait to use them," Lloyd said. "The workmanship is just wonderful."

The Central Carolina Community College Foundation was organized in 1988 to ensure that the college would continue to excel and build on its history of innovative curriculum development and community service. The Foundation is a separate, non-profit organization that receives, holds and disburses funds for the benefit of the college.

The direct management of the Foundation is vested in its board of directors, which is composed of business, professional and community leaders that represent the college's three-county service area of Lee, Chatham and Harnett.

The Foundation enhances the college's image within the community, broadens its base of support, and lends its support to the varied educational and student service program offerings.

For more information about the CCCC Foundation Furniture Auction, contact Harnett Provost Bill Tyson at 910-893-9101 or btyson@cccc.edu. Go online to www.cccc.edu/foundation/events/furnitureauction to see a photo gallery of the auction pieces.