Gorham’s community-wide yard sale and silent auction to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims living in Bayou La Batre, Ala., was held Saturday Sept. 24 at the Portland Faith Center.

The weather was beautiful and a crowd of thousands turned out for the occasion. There were games and activities for children, baked goods, barbecued hotdogs, hamburgers and a raffle.

The huge yard sale covered the entire parking area and front lawn of the church. Local businesses contributed items for the silent auction. Shoppers were pleased with their purchases and winnings. There was a snowmobile jacket from White Rock Outboard, a wood stove from Jotul North America, 100 gallons of heating oil from Guerin Associates, and a three page Web site from Premiere Web Services, to name a few.

All the money has been collected, and today a check was mailed to Alabama Lions Disaster Relief Fund for $7,942.70 to help rebuild their community.

The Gorham Business & Civic Exchange, along with Portland Faith Center, sponsored the event. “It really was heartwarming to see so many people work so hard to make this a success,” said Rev. Gordy Johnson, assistant pastor of Portland Faith Center. “We had volunteers unloading four trailers at 4 a.m. using car lights to see by.”

The whole Benefit was planned and came together in just two weeks. “We want to thank everyone for giving so generously. It took many hands and hearts working together,” said Dana Redmond, executive director of the Gorham Business & Civic Exchange.

Dana Redmond, Gorham Business & Civic Exchange, and Rev. Gordy Johnson, pastor of the Portland Faith Center, hold the check being sent to help community of Bayou La Batre rebuild.