West Bend, WI (June 2019) – Each year during Washington County Fair the Washington County 4-H Leaders Association coordinates a silent auction, which is the second largest fundraiser for the Washington County 4-H program. Last year’s auction raised over $5,800.

4-H is a UW-Extension 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for youth in 5K through 13th grade offering a multitude of learning opportunities in over 80 volunteer led projects.  The event proceeds will help fund educational training, trips, camps and other activities for area 4-H youth and adult volunteers; programs impacted by budget and funding cuts as well as rising fees.

Fair attendees can find the silent auction just inside the Ziegler Building entrance, in a room off of the main exhibit hall. The auction is open Tuesday-Saturday during fair hours; closing Sunday at 11am.

“Auction items are donated by local businesses, friends of 4-H, and 4-H families,” said Nicole Kabitzke, chair of the Washington County 4-H Silent Auction Committee. “Items received often include a variety of antiques, handmade crafts, gift certificates, sports memorabilia, hunting/fishing equipment, tools, and much more.”

To participate in the auction, shoppers write their name, phone number, and bid amount on a bid sheet for the item that they would like to “win.” The committee encourages bidders to come back often, so as not to be outbid.

Final bids are accepted until 11am on Sunday, July 28. The committee will notify winners later that afternoon so they can return to the auction before the close of fair to pay for and collect their items.

If you would like to donate an item for the auction, donations can be mailed to the committee chair: Nicole Kabitzke 1210 Midland Ave., Kewaskum, WI 53040 or mailed to/dropped off at the UW-Extension office 333 E. Washington St., Suite 1200, West Bend, WI 53095 through 4pm Monday, July 22, 2019. In person donations will be accepted by committee members inside the Ziegler Building at Fair Park between 8am and noon Saturday July 20th. If you would like your donation picked up, have questions or need further information, please contact Nicole at (262) 707-0787 or email W

About Washington County 4-H:

4-H is a community of young people learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. In Washington County, 4-H programs are implemented by the land grant university and the Cooperative Extension System through the Washington County UW-Extension Office.

Learn more about 4-H at http://washington.uwex.edu/4-h-youth-development/.

Contact:  Nicole Kabitzke, Chair, Washington County 4-H Silent Auction; 262-707-0787;