In recent years, Miller has moved from Fort Dodge. But on Saturday, she will be showing how much she still cares about the community when more than 40 items from her personal collection are auctioned off. The silent auction will be held at the Bioscience and Health Sciences Building on the Iowa Central Community College main campus, 1 Triton Circle

The proceeds will go to four local entities: Second Baptist Church, Coppin Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee and the recently rejuvenated Fort Dodge National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Chapter No. 4023.

“Those are all organizations I’ve had a relationship with or had some involvement with,” Miller said. “So it just made sense that I would continue to do so.”

Miller referenced the NAACP chapter, which received its designation in recent months.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
This piece titled "The Road Less Traveled" by Marland Ashland, of Ames, will be auctioned off along with over 40 other items on Saturday at Iowa Central Community College.

“I think it’s a very good cause and I know they need funds to carry out missions,” Miller said. “And it’s just getting started. Hopefully this gives them a good start.”

Sherry Washington, who leads both the NAACP Fort Dodge chapter and the Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee, is grateful for Miller’s generosity.

“We are so blessed and honored that the Millers felt it in their hearts to help us keep our good works going,” Washington said. “It takes a village.”

Miller’s husband, Dr. Ed Miller, passed away in 2010. Some of the pieces are ones the Millers collected throughout their travels, including unique items from Africa.

Some of the items are from the Artful Dodger project, a group that Miller founded in Fort Dodge in 2002 to showcase local talent.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
This chair, which doubles as a game of tic-tac-toe, was part of the Artful Dodger Project. It will be auctioned off Saturday at Iowa Central Community College.

A chair that doubles as a game of tic-tac-toe is one example of an item up for auction.

Other decorative chairs that were once restored by inmates at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility will also be available for bid.

Miller said it’s bittersweet to let go of some of her collection.

“Some things you gotta let go,” she said. “So that’s what I’m doing.”

Washington is hopeful the auction will provide a needed boost.

“This is a way that she (Miller) felt could help the organizations continue to move forward,” Washington said.

To participate

Who: NAACP — Fort Dodge Chapter No. 4023

What: Dr. Ed and Helen Miller Giving Back silent auction

When: Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Bioscience and Health Sciences Building on the Iowa Central Community College main campus, 1 Triton Circle

There are two ways to bid at the Silent Auction:

(1) In Person

(2) By Zoom – Video and Audio options

312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 849 9491 0081

Passcode: 306023