Local auctioneer George Moline volunteered to run the fifth annual auction at the Cedars of Austin. Residents were given “Cedars money” to bid on items prepared by Cedars volunteers and employees. Residents also brought donations for the local Salvation Army. -- Matt Peterson/matt.peterson@austindailyherald.com

For the fifth year in a row, Cedars of Austin residents entered some tight bidding wars — all while helping the Salvation Army.

Volunteers and employees donated 57 items to the auction on Wednesday afternoon at the Cedars and gave each resident $1,600 in “Cedars money,” with which they could use to bid on cookies, pies, household items and even favors.

Residents who brought canned food items or cash donations for the local Salvation Army also received an extra $500 in Cedars bidding money.

“It’s a perfect time of year for us to give back to them because we appreciate our residents so much,” said Tara Brunsvold, director of sales and marketing at the Cedars.

Local auctioneer George Moline has been volunteering his time the past few years to run the auction.

Roughly 40 residents participated, making it the biggest auction the Cedars has had yet, Brunsvold said. In addition to treats and gift baskets, volunteers offered to help fill out Christmas cards; and one lucky winner even won a fridge cleaning.

“The Cedars is all about fun,” Brunsvold added, “We’re always doing events every single day.”