Friendly bidding at policeman’s ball sparks $10,000 gift for Citizens Police Academy
By Ben Cox
Photos by ElCrow Photography
What started as a friendly live auction at the Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy fundraiser quickly turned into a moment of joy, laughter, and generosity that has become a part of the spirit of giving in the Jacksonville area.
The Central Illinois Policeman’s Ball, held on November 1 at Hamilton’s 110 North East, featured a silent auction of several items and one special live auction intended to energize the crowd.
The Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy Alumni had hoped that Adah Mitchell’s donated punch bowl of spirits, wine and holiday snacks would bring some lighthearted fun at the live auction run by local auctioneer and South Jacksonville Village President Dick Samples.
The CPAA had hoped that bidders on each side of the large ballroom would drum up some funds to help them as they aid the area’s law enforcement community and provide scholarships to future law enforcement hopefuls.
As the bidding began, Rabbi Rob Thomas, seated on the east side of the room, noticed no one had yet raised a paddle.
“I waited a bit, heard no bids, and then entered one for about $100,” he recalls. Soon after, Nick Xamis, also seated on the east side, joined in.
“We went back and forth a few times,” says Thomas, “but then I realized all the action was on one side of the room — so I ran across to the west side to make it a true east versus west showdown!”
With both bidders now standing on opposite sides of the dance floor, the crowd caught the spirit of the moment. Cheers and laughter filled the room as the two friends kept raising their bids, all in good fun. Thomas noted the punch bowl full of liquor was somewhat ironic, “Neither of us even drink!”
That’s when inspiration struck. Xamis motioned for Thomas to come over and whispered a brilliant idea: they would each bid $5,000 and both pay — doubling the contribution to $10,000 for the CPA.
The auctioneer confirmed there were no higher bids, and the room erupted in applause. After posing with the prize and their respective wives, Thomas and Xamis decided to donate it back to be raffled off at a future event.
“It was the perfect ending to the evening,” says Thomas. “Kudos and lauds Nick for the idea and for his and Jeanie’s incredible generosity. Together, we really moved the needle for the CPA and had an absolute blast doing it.”
