The 2019 EMS Auction brought together a diverse group of school parents, alumni and friends for an evening of laughter and music to raise more than $24,000 to support the school.

A surprise highlight of the Harvest Celebration event was the auction itself with Adam Yoder, father of Justin ’25 and Ravi ’22. A social worker with the Community Services Board by day, Yoder has an undercover stand-up comedian side few were expecting.

In addition to the more routine auction items of ethnic meals and weekend getaways, Yoder threw in his own items. There was an auction of Paul Leaman, head of school, as a date chaperone for the highest bidder’s son or daughter (worth $200) with “Go Pro footage thrown in.”

There was an extra hour of sleep on Saturday. “Really,” quipped Yoder, “I’ll work it out with your pastor and everyone.” And, mysteriously, he got his hand on high school principal, Justin King’s iPhone, which brought in another $125.

The auction fun came between two sets by The Walking Roots Band. “We are so happy to be part of this event because all of us in this group know the value of Mennonite education,” said band member, Seth Crissman, a graduate of Johnstown Christian School who works in local ministry with children.

Collaborative artwork with the elementary students brought in nearly $1,500 for the art program at EMES.

General auction items brought in $8,100 for school operational costs and student financial aid.

A “raise-your-paddle” bid to generate funds for the schools burgeoning STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) program raised $10,975. And an online auction prior to Friday’s event brought in $3,658.

Event sponsors included Everence Financial Services; Marvin and Lori Maust; Weavers’ Flooring America; McEneely and Holland families; Springbrook Wellness and Counseling; Mumbauer family; Venture Builders, Inc.; Bluestone Pediatrics; AM Yoder & Co.; and Hank’s Grille and Catering.