On November 13, 2004 the UAW Local 2195 Community Service Committee hosted their “Auction and Karaoke Night” at the Local 2195 Union Hall. This benefit was staged to raise funds for Christmas charities. This was the second benefit in a month by the Community Service Committee, with the annual “Pickin for Presents” concert taking place just a few weeks ago.

The event began with an auction of items donated by a group of local merchants. Local 2195 member John Stewart was the auctioneer for the event. John has 28 years of experience in auctions and is a member of the Alabama Auctioneer Hall of Fame.

Following the auction the Lanny Rose Band of Athens performed a great show. The band features Local 2195 members Mike McCormick, David “Tink” Hargrove and Tim Moore as part of this great act. The group has two songs on the soundtrack of the new documentary “In The Shadow Of The Blade” that chronicles the efforts of the Huey Helicopter and those who used them during the Vietnam War. The documentary is currently in theaters across the country. The group performed two sets, including music from the movie and a few new numbers that are on a new CD they are finishing.

After the Lanny Rose Band, Ron Seymore of Plant 23 provided his karaoke equipment as participants showed off their vocal stylings for the crowd.

“Between the Karaoke, Pickin for Presents and raffles we have raised over $4000 for Christmas charities,” states Community Service Committee Chair Shirley Parker. “This money will go toward providing toys for the Salvation Army Toy Room that is used to supplement the Angel Trees. The entire committee would like to thank all the merchants that donated auction items, John Stewart, the Lanny Rose Band and Ron Seymore.”