Auctioneer Dennis Vangel helped the Eufaula Area Museum, 118 Selmon Road, raise almost $4,000 at the museum’s pie auction and political speakers’ forum Tuesday, March 25.

The event, attended by approximately 100, was held at the VFW Post 8798 on SH 9 East.

Vangel, an ex-marine, kept everyone in stitches as he hawked the pies, cakes and cookies that went for a worthwhile cause – supporting the museum.

Museum Board President Martha McCracken and Secretary-Treasurer Jeanette Smith kept the evening moving smoothly, moving between speaking and bidding.

Kevin Drake, owner of Murry’s Carpets and Paints, was the high bidder for a pie by board member Connie Francis, paying $300 for chocolate pie.

The community-minded businessman also was the winning bidder for several other desserts during the evening.

Also assisting the museum in its fundraiser were board members Shauna Belyeu, Jason Burns, Jim Shroyer and Diana Rippy.

Founded in 2015, the museum “is dedicated to the safe-keeping of historically significant objects and is actively seeking out and accepting donations of items for current preservation and future exhibits.”

Candidates who spoke at the event included incumbent Ward 2 City Councilman Roger Barton and State Senate District 2 Republicans David Nelson and Bryan Logan. Also, Independent candidate Steve Sanford, who is not on Monday’s ballot.

Eufaula School Superintendent Monty Guthrie urged voters to support a proposal that would allow the district to improve and expand its facilities.

Incumbent Ward 2 City Councilman Roger Barton was among the speakers, however opponent Beverly Ribaudo did not attend.

The evening also included comments by a number of county officials who were not running for election, including Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges; County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt; County Assessor Jennifer Ballard; Ward 3 City Councilwoman Evelyn Gulley; and others.