LILLINGTON -- When the gavel came down on the 15th annual Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) Foundation Furniture Auction on Saturday, June 6, the successful event had raised over $18,000. Proceeds from the auction help provide financial aid for Harnett County students through an endowed scholarship fund managed by the CCCC Foundation. The proceeds also pay for materials used to produce the auction items.

"Last year, 10 Harnett County students who couldn't have gone to college otherwise were able to enroll at CCCC," said Harnett County Provost Bill Tyson. "We use the money raised by this auction to increase our endowment and continue to benefit the students in Harnett County."

Over 80 items, including handmade furniture, sculpture, landscape accessories, and outdoor buildings and furniture, were auctioned off with the highest bid, for a 10'X12' building with a Green A roof, reaching $2,100.

Auctioneer Ricky Wicker of R&W Auctions in Sanford made sure there was plenty of humor included with the items to be auctioned. "I know this man and he's got money," said Wicker. "You won't get any supper tonight if you don't bring this item home!"

The students in CCCC's carpentry and welding classes at Harnett Correctional Institution constructed the auction items. "I think it's great to allow the community to come in and support the college like this," said Lucia Turlington, owner of Turlington Real Estate Group in Dunn. "I like helping students in the county and seeing the pride they take in their work. It's something that can really transform people's lives."

From Williamsburg cupboards to a three-story birdhouse created with such detail it could pass for a colonial dollhouse, each item was constructed of solid wood or metal and painstakingly finished.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, the college. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For more information about the CCCC Foundation Furniture Auction, contact CCCC's Harnett Provost Bill Tyson at 910-893-9101 or btyson@cccc.edu.

For information on giving to the Foundation, contact Emily Hare, executive director of the CCCC Foundation, 919-718-7230 or ehare@cccc.edu.