Randy Searer Benefit Auction Scheduled For Sept. 18

On Sept. 18, Sidney Livestock Market Center will host the Randy Searer Benefit auction, which will feature a calf roll-over auction after lunch. All are invited to enjoy lunch at Sidney Livestock's newly opened restaurant, Cattlemen's, and then attend the auction. A calf roll-over auction is when a calf is auctioned off, "sold", and then auctioned off again and again until everyone attending who would like to donate has gotten a "winning" bid. When it's clear all who would like to have been able to win and donate, the calf will be sold to an actual buyer. All proceeds will go towards Randy's medical and travel expenses. His wife, Patti, is currently with him, and his oldest daughter Kayleen recently returned from visiting. Between time off and travel costs, every donation is something they are thankful for. If you cannot attend the auction, a donation account has been set up at the Richland Federal Credit Union as well, and Miles City Livestock will be holding their own online auction with donated items online.

From the Montana High School Rodeo State Finals in Baker, to the Richland County Fair in Sidney, to the sale barns of South Dakota, the voice of Randy Searer has made its way into the hearts and minds of youth, many of which he could name on sight, and adults for over 20 years. Whether he was announcing a rodeo, introducing 4-H members with their livestock animal, or auctioneering, Randy made his impact in the community both in word and deed.

This spring, Randy began experiencing water retention and not feeling himself, and after extensive tests, Billings Clinic diagnosed him with end stage liver failure. He was connected with a doctor and the transplant center in Denver, CO. After a visit to the Sidney ER on Aug. 20, he was airlifted to Denver, and remains in their excellent care until he receives his transplant. Just weeks before, he had announced every 4-H member who sold an animal in the Richland County Fair and was extremely proud to have been able to do so despite his illness. Currently, he has passed his tests to officially be on the transplant list!

Randy has long been dedicated to youth in Richland County and beyond, and not just in the rodeo and agricultural circles. His children Kayleen, Jaycee, and Taylor participated in gymnastics, and hockey as well as 4-H and rodeo, and he still enjoys cheering for and sharing his wisdom with youth. More than a few have become almost family for Searers and he continues adding boards to his bench to include others. Even after graduation, Randy has had a hand in guiding youth at the Western College of Auctioneering, Billings, MT.

"Never weaken" has long been Randy's motto and it holds strong for him in this season. He's used to a fast pace, and that is hard to maintain in a hospital, but he knows it's the best place for him and he is humbled by all the support he and his family have received. Used to giving help and not being the one to ask for it, his spirits have been boosted immeasurably by those that have reached out and helped in any way. His daughter, Jaycee Cook, said, "We take being busy for granted, and he can't be, and that just makes you really grateful for the busy." Randy continues to share his wisdom from Denver, and will find a way to make the best of this experience, as he always has.