Prairie Warrior auction benefits Minot Published March 20, 2007 By Stefan T. Bocchino Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The annual Prairie Warrior auction will be held March 24 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Minot. The auction, which is entering its 21st year, is held to support various events at Minot Air Force Base. Proceeds go to sponsor various base events such as Northern Neighbors Day, the 91st Space Wing Guardian Challenge team, squadron holiday parties and more. The Minot Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee sponsors the event in support of military personnel, said Betty Fedorchak, Prairie Warrior chairperson. The event started in 1987 as a way for the people of Minot to help support teams from Minot AFB to go to Air Force competitions and help fund events designed to improve the morale of personnel stationed here. "It's all about bringing together the local community and the people from Minot Air Force Base," said Mrs. Fedorchak. "It's a great mixer to bring together civilians from downtown to meet people from the base." In previous years, the auction's primary purpose was to help fund teams from the wings go to competitions, said Lt. Col. Bob Dreyfus, 5th Bomb Wing director of staff. With competitions either being discontinued or held at longer intervals, the auction is changing the way it has distributed money to the wings. Each wing will receive funds from the auction in direct proportion to their participation. "We are trying to match Prairie Warrior to how we do business now," said Colonel Dreyfus. "People are direct beneficiaries of their participation." In fundraising style, the auction is solely dependent on contributions. "There are various ways people can participate," said Colonel Dreyfus. "A person can donate an item to be auctioned, buy an item at the auction or just come to the auction." People can preview auction items starting at 5:30 p.m., with bidding starting at 6:30 p.m. Items to be auctioned include sports memorabilia, gift baskets, savings bonds and many other items. People will be able to enjoy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments of their choice. Admittance to the event is $15 per person. "The better the participation," said Colonel Dreyfus, "the better for all of us."