The Montgomery City Lions Club wanted to renovate its building.

So for two months, the organization did a lot of work, like painting the walls, fixing the ceiling and putting in new lighting. Now, it is planning to work on the bathrooms.

“The building hasn’t had anything done to it for years,” said Kristie Eldringhoff, one of the members.

On Jan. 21, the Lions Club will hold its first annual paddle auction to help pay for the renovation costs. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the auction will start at 7 p.m.

Eldringhoff said the renovation project took a big chunk out of the club’s funds, so she’s hoping that the auction will help build the funds back up.

“We were rattling off things of what we can do like a yard sale/flea market thing,” Eldringhoff said. “We talked about that. We talked about a lot of things like the barbecue cookoff. So we all voted on this.”

Paddles are $10 each and all-in paddles will be available. There will be a 50/50 drawing and a live auction at the event. The Lions Club is also raising funds for a $500 scholarship it gives out every year.

Eldringhoff said the auction will give area residents an opportunity to come visit the renovated Lions Club building, located at 1120 Farnen in Montgomery City.

“We rent the building out, so this will give people a chance to look at the building to see if they can rent it,” Eldringhoff said. “That will give them an option to come. We’re going to serve food, like pulled pork, chili, hot dogs and nachos and cheese. We’re trying something different because we have done so many barbecues. In the winter, it’s hard to barbecue when it’s so cold. We decided to try this for the first time.”

The club worked on its building in November and December. Eldringhoff said she is pleased with the improvements.

“You couldn’t believe how many staples that were in that ceiling,” Eldringhoff said. “When they rent the building, they hang the decorations. They would staple stuff everywhere, like on the walls and on the ceilings. Now, our rule is that nothing can be hung. You can decorate, but it has to be on the table.”

Anyone who is interested in donating an item to the auction, contact Eldringhoff at 573-220-9616, Tammy Teeter at 314-630-0243 or Lauren Fortmann 636-359-5305.