This month, Fresno County schools have a great opportunity to receive donations from an innovative Facebook contest hosted by the local Cherry Avenue Auction.
In the 1920’s, when the cattle industry was booming, Central Valley farmers needed a place to purchase and sell beef cattle, dairy cows, breed stock, horses, tack, hogs, poultry, and other farm animals. Soon, vendors began to set up shop around the auction to sell locally grown produce and household items, creating an open air market. In 1953, Margaret and Bill Mitchell purchased the facility and retained ownership until 2001. Over the years, the cattle industry faded but the open air market began to grow. Today, Margaret and Bill’s grandsons, Neil and Mitch Burson, keep the Cherry Avenue Auction legacy alive. Though you won’t find any late night horse sales or cowboys branding steers, the same old-time, friendly atmosphere still exists.
To show their appreciation to their customers, and to demonstrate a commitment to public education, the Cherry Avenue Auction is donating $21,000 to local schools. For every “like” it receives on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CherryAvenueAuction. Cherry Avenue Auction will continue donating until $20,000 is reached. An added bonus to this contest is that people participating will also be given the opportunity to increase the contribution by making their own donation as well.
The Cherry Avenue Auction is joining other businesses, such as Whole Foods Fresno and the Fresno Coin Gallery, in the shared community responsibility of educating our youth. The Foundation @ FCOE salutes their commitment!