MECHANICSBURG, Pa. -

Local auto dealers came together this month to donate more than two dozen vehicles for a charity auction hosted by Harrisburg Auto Auction, and raised more than $30,000 for their cause.

The dealer-only charity car auction was held Sept. 13, with 100 percent of sales and onsite donations directly benefiting the Carlisle, Pa., branch of the Salvation Army.

To further boost the giving, all buyers and sellers fees were waived, and courtesy of the GE Remarketing Race to Give campaign, the charitable proceeds will stay local, organizers said.

Local and regional dealers who donated the cars for charity included Amicus Auto Sales (Harrisburg Auto Auction); Bob Ruth Ford; Bobby Rahal Honda; Cumberland Valley Motors; Family Ford; Forrer Chrysler/Dodge; Freysinger Pontiac; Gaines Auto Sales; Graham Motor Company; Highland Motor Sales; Hoffman Ford; Lawrence Chevrolet; Liberator Performance; William H. Wessel’s Used Cars; and Willow View Auto Sales.

Some dealers donated more than one car to the auction.

Event organizers said the daylong event was designed to help the Salvation Army bridge the gap between its summer donation season and the upcoming holiday kettle season.

“We’ve done something of this sort with the Salvation Army in years past,” noted Bill Miller of Carlisle Events. “I believe it’s been at least eight years where an auction car has been sold benefiting the local offices, and last year we were pleased to donate nearly $12,000 to them via a vehicle we received from Ahold and Giant Food Stores.

“That total was great, but we always strive to do bigger and better things for them. With the help of a great array of local dealers, GE and the Harrisburg Auto Auction, I’m blown away at what we’ve been able to accomplish (this year). Topping this next year will be a large task, but I’m up to it and hopefully our partners are too," he added.

Lynn Weaver, general manager of Harrisburg Auto Auction, said, “Historically we do a lot of charitable work. This time around we wanted to do something a little different, and with the help of Bill Miller of Carlisle Events, Don Secrist of the GE Remarketing Race to Give campaign, the Salvation Army and a vast array of local and regional dealers, I think we’ve done just that.

“Our totals more than doubled what the Salvation Army saw last year, and that’s very exciting for everyone involved,” Weaver added. “I’m glad we were able to host the event and help those in need during difficult times.”