The image of a hair-less Larry Ricke still gives me nightmares when I think about it.

Larry surrendered his hair at a Lyle Area Cancer Auction, when he agreed to have his head shaved if Brandon Walter and some other wise guys could raise $1,000 one wild and crazy Saturday night at Lyle American Legion Post No. 105 where the auction is held each January.

No problem.  Brandon and his friends collected the cash and Larry kept his promise.  His head was shaved bald and the cancer research fund –raiser was $1,000 richer.

It spoiled my plans to write a book about Larry Ricke, one of dozens of hard-working volunteers who have helped the fundraising frenzy raise more than $1 million in its three decades of existence.

Why write about Larry Ricke, when there are so many other super-charged volunteers?

Answer:  He’s not shy.  He will talk the talk and walk the walk to raise money for cancer research like no other.

For years, Larry and his wife, Cindy, would drive me to pre-planning meetings leading up to the January auction and the volunteer appreciation supper held after the event.  They even took me to a shindig at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester where the 5th District Minnesota Eagles, sponsors of the fundraiser, honored the participants, who, to be sure, are many.

God only knows what craziness will happen Friday night and Saturday until the last auction item is sold this weekend.  My guess is Larry will be at the center of the spotlight.

He had better be good, because the supporting cast of volunteers is beyond comparison.

Tiny Johnson and his Carpenter, Iowa, friends will be there.  They hold a pool tournament and scrap booking event that always earns a healthy five-figure sum for cancer research.

Organizers of other fundraisers held throughout the year will report how much they earned for cancer research.

Galen Holst or some other veteran from Post No. 105 will present a generous check from the Legion members.

There will be canned pickles, baked bread and homemade pies auctioned.

Items purchased at previous auctions will be returned and re-bid.

The auctioneers will be hard-pressed to keep up with all the items donated by generous North Iowa and Southern Minnesota businesses for the auction.

Hot soup will be served and cold beer, too.

Raffle-winners will be drawn.

Maybe, Dick Brekke or some other member of the Austin Eagles will be in the audience and asked to tell about their own successful cancer research auction.

If they do show Jerry Sampson’s video of past auctions, it will show some of the faces of the people who make the affair so special:  The audience members and bidders.

If Gary Harrison or one of the ring men can’t convince, encourage or just plain embarrass a bidder into raising his bid $10 more, Mickey Brooks, Dave Thompson or Honest Glen or any other leather-lunged auctioneer will do the trick.

When they play Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” anthem, the entire crowd in the Lyle maintenance garage where the auction is held will stand in respect.

When Jeff Ramaker’s voice is heard, the place will grow silent.

The easy part is going to a Lyle Area Cancer Auction.

The hard part is leaving without recognizing one of the names on the large banners hanging from the garage walls.

The cancer survivors’ list is one to be cherished.

The cancer victims’ list deserves prayers.

The price of admission at this weekend’s 2010 Lyle Area Cancer Auction is a caring heart.

Lyle Area Cancer Auction

Jan. 15, 2010 6 p.m. — approx.

1 a.m.

Jan. 16, 2010 11:00 a.m. —

until last item sold

Live and silent auctions,

presentations, food &

entertainment both days

An auction to see for yourself

& remember

To donate, volunteer your time,

or for more information

contact Teresa at (507) 440-0314

or Russ at (507) 440-3793