Despite a cold, rainy evening, about 170 people flocked to the Temple Micah Purim Auction April 2 in numbers comparable to standing-room-only crowds of recent years. The net proceeds are expected to be about $50,000.

During the silent auction early in the evening, members and guests sipped wine, munched on hors d'oeuvres, chatted and rushed from item to item placing bids. Then they went to the sanctuary for a catered dinner and spirited live auction.

Dinners in members homes again were the most popular items. The Cinco de Mayo dinner once more was the top-grossing item, bringing in about $4,500. A new event, Cocktail Buffet at the Zemels, came in second with $3,300. Popular non-food items included vacation homes and boat rides. A log cabin in Madison County, W.V., was in such demand that they offered it for a second, long weekend. In addition, there were tickets to Nationals games, concerts, plays and craft shows.

Carolyn Margolis chaired the auction committee, as she has for several years.