Main Menu
Frequently Asked Questions
Relief from what?
In a few words, starvation, poverty, the ravages of war, disease.For over forty years Mennonite and Amish communities from across North America have organized sale events to benefit the work of Mennonite Central Committee in its domestic and global efforts to care for the hungry and the thirsty, the stranger and the naked, the sick and those in prison. In addition to this biblical mandate, MCC seeks to serve as peace maker in all areas of human conflict, both by serving the needs of those victimized by conflict and by teaching ways to live peaceably.Centuries of living and working in community have instilled in Mennonites and Amish an understanding of the strength of a community response to need. Periodically, public attention falls on a barn raising or the rapid and highly organized response to natural disasters by Mennonite Disaster Service. In the same spirit, Mennonite and Amish communities began organizing sales to carry out and expand the world relief efforts of MCC. Begun in the midwest and east where the largest concentrations of Mennonites and Amish live, the events were dubbed “Relief Sales.” The sales have expanded across the country to other communities and this year there will be 29 such sales in the United States expected to generate over $3.3 million.
What is the Mennonite Central Committee?
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is the cooperative relief and service agency of 25 Mennonite church groups. MCC was founded in 1920 to respond to famine caused by war and revolution in Russia. Since then, MCC’s efforts have expanded to 63 of the world’s poorest countries where more than 1165 MCC personnel work in agriculture, community development, education, healthcare, social services, economic/ technical development and peace concerns.
Which MCC project will the money go toward this year?
See the Fundraising Focus page for more specifics on where the proceeds of the 2014 sale will go.
Are there other auctions like this one?
Yes! Each year all over North America, thousands of volunteers, mainly from Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches, come together to raise money which is distributed through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for the relief of suffering in the world. 82-85% of sale proceeds go directly to serving people in need. Learn more about Relief Sales at the MCC web site.
How can I get involved?
In addition to just attending the sale, there are many opportunities to contribute to the cause. See the Contact page for more details.
How much did the last sale raise?
The 2014 sale raised $37,000.