The USO Delaware and the Good Shepard Fund have joined forces to provide the community with an entertaining evening of cocktails and bidding.

    The party runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Air Mobility Command Museum.

    This year’s event will offer bidders a lot to choose from. Santa’s sleigh, for example, holds thousands of dollars worth of toys for infants to teens.

    “Somebody could get that for a deal and they won’t have to be buying Christmas presents for a couple of years,” said USO Delaware Director Joan M. Cote.

    There also is a basket of cheer chock full of all things alcoholic, a polymer Adirondack chair and vintage airplane rides including one in an open-cockpit plane ready to throw guests for a loop. Autographed CDs and gift certificates from local businesses will be available, as will an assortment of sports memorabilia, including items from Peyton Manning, Emmitt Smith and Terry Bradshaw, as well as base items from the Phillies, Red Sox and Yankees.

    Cote said the USO’s annual event draws a cross-section of the community, including approximately 60% with no noted military ties. Part of the draw is the venue.

    “You can’t pay for the ambience you get at the AMC museum,” she said.

    This year a professional photographer will be on hand to take pictures of attendees in front of the vintage planes. The photo will cost a small fee that will, in part, benefit the USO.

    This is the first year both charities have come together in one event, according to Cote. The cocktail party and silent auction is one of the USO’s major fundraisers of the year, and after the Good Shepard Fund received a number of exceptional items for an auction, the groups decided to pool their items and hold one event.

    The Good Shepard Fund, managed by the First Sergeant’s Council at Dover Air Force Base, provides assistance to airmen during emergency situations, such as a death in the family, a house fire, or basic necessities if airmen are short on money during a temporary crisis, according to Master Sgt. Bruce Russell, president. The fund also tries to make sure airmen can afford a holiday dinner by giving vouchers to those in need.

    “We at least make sure they have a turkey on the table,” he said.

    The groups have very different missions, but Cote said the event has one important goal.

    “It covers both ends of the spectrum, helping our troops.”

    The USO Delaware will put its proceeds toward its general fund. In the past few years the organization has sent care packages abroad, including three complete basketball equipment sets.

    They also encourage military members to participate in United Through Reading, a program that allows those being deployed to be videotaped while reading aloud to their children or grandchildren.

    Cote said attendees shouldn’t bother getting dressed up – people can come straight from work, mingle and pick up a few unique Christmas gifts.

    Tickets to the fundraiser are $30, $20 for current military members.

    For more information, call the USO office at 677-2491 or email usodelaware@aol.com.

Email Sarika Jagtiani at sarika.jagtiani@doverpost.com

If you go...
What: Cocktail party and auction to benefit the USO Delaware and the Good Shepard Fund
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21
Where: Air Mobility Command Museum
Admission: $30, $20 for current military members
Information: Call 677-2491