Among the behind-the-scenes highlights was outgoing President Merrill Ewert's introduction of zwiebach to President-elect Pete Menjares. The traditional treat is a symbol of the underlying philosophy of the sale: Doing good can be delicious! Pictured are Ewert (center, selecting a zwiebach from one of the volunteer bakers) and to the right Pete Menjares, Pete's wife, Virginia, and Priscilla Ewert.
The full name of the event is the 45th West Coast Mennonite Sale & Auction for World Relief, which raises money for international relief organization Mennonite Central Committee. An MCC official said Sunday that early receipts are at $180,000, higher than at this time last year. The several thousand visitors who braved Friday's rain and Saturday's overcast skies enjoyed the selection of quilts, foods, art, furniture, plants, cars and children's activities.
MCC sales are organized by Mennonites (groups of Christians including the Mennonite Brethren, with which FPU is affiliated) in communities across North America as a way to raise money to assist those in need around the world. Founded in 1920, MCC has more than 1,000 people in service throughout North America and in 58 countries. Because MCC is a largely volunteer organization, nearly 93 percent of MCC funds reach those in need.