Just two years ago, something amazing was made available to the Albemarle when the Benjamin House opened for residency. With the goal to offer innovative programs that give each resident options in their lifestyle, this agency has helped many disabled young men and women of the Albemarle region become socially interactive and engaged in the community.

In order to provide their residents with activities and supplies, however, the Benjamin House needs support from the community. That's where this Saturday's auction comes in; only it's more than a fundraiser, it's a trip down memory lane thanks to the now closed Hurdle Hardware.

File photo (ENLARGE)

Hurdle Hardware has donated its inventory after closing its downtown doors to Benjamin House for a benefit auction this Saturday at the 4-H Livestock Barn.

So far, Elaine Simpson, the director of Benjamin House case management, says that the community's help has been phenomenal. People like Jim Hurdle make a huge difference for the lives of the young men and women who call Benjamin House their home.

"Local churches have donated many necessary supplies, we have had donations and help from local businesses, as well as from individuals in the community," says Simpson. "We would like to keep that involvement with the community. So often, people with disabilities do not get the support that they deserve."

This Saturday, the Pasquotank County 4-H Livestock Barn will host a live auction to benefit the Benjamin House, featuring inventory from Hurdle's, a decidedly eclectic hardware store. At 8 a.m. that morning, potential bidders will have the chance to preview the wide range of inventory that has been donated; and at 10 a.m., licensed auctioneer, Red Barber, will start the bidding.

The auction will consist of a little bit of everything for the household; many things have been collected from amongst the community, but many items that bidders might be especially excited about will be those things left over from Hurdle Hardware.

"Jim Hurdle told me that we could have all of what was left from his store so long as we get it by 4 p.m. that afternoon. I jumped at the opportunity and had trailers loaded up by 4 p.m., but I didn't know how to use it all. It was Jim Hurdle who suggested an auction," says Simpson.

Simpson says that most of the things that you will find at this auction are things that you just can't find anymore, as they will include an array of hardware and household supplies.

"You could always find what you couldn't find anywhere else at Hurdle Hardware," says Simpson.

Canning supplies, a restored grand piano, fireplace supplies, paint, and bicycle replacement parts will make up just a few items to bid on. There will also be whole boxes of items, including electrical, plumbing, and household supplies.

Throughout the bidding process, residents from the Benjamin House will be present, and selling concessions as well. It is important to the Benjamin House staff that the residents have many opportunities like this to interact with the community.

"It is important that they have some normal activities to enjoy. We are hoping that this event funds some social activities like dances, dinners, and camps," says Simpson.

The Benjamin House was created by the Hughes family in hopes of providing a place for their son, Benjamin, as well as many other young adults with disabilities, to live, grow independent, and receive care long after their sole care-givers have passed away. The house aims to promote close ties to the resident's circle of friends, family and community.

After finishing high school, residents are given the opportunity to pursue a job in the area, as well as help out their community. Many of the twelve residents have received jobs at places like Blockbuster, Food Lion, and Taco Bell.

"The house is a truly wonderful place. And the residents are as independent as they possibly can be," says Simpson.

And as the Benjamin House has grown over the past two years, Simpson says that the infrastructure has grown as well.

The agency has now expanded to assist families in the area with children who have disabilities, and wish to care for their children at home. They also plan on assisting residents and their families who would like to make the next step to independent living; a step which will require the help from the active Albemarle community.

For more information about the auction at the Pasquotank County 4-H Livestock Barn this Saturday, opening at 8 a.m., contact the Benjamin House services at (252) 331-7731.