The auction is the longest running fund raising event for the Foundation and its success each year is made possible by the hard work of volunteers. Volunteers from the community, in partnership with the foundation board of directors, call on area businesses, organizations, and individuals to secure items for the live and silent auction.
Each year the auction averages 150 silent auction items and 40 live auction items - the items range from merchandise, to gift certificates, services, hand-made items and special events such as dinners, hunting parties, trips etc. All attendees enjoy dinner and a social hour before the live auction. Check out pictures from the 2017 Big Benefit Auction!
2018 Big Benefit Auction
Foundation’s 40th Annual Auction raises $40,000 for scholarships and program enhancements
Story and photos by Brandon Steinert
The proceeds from items sold, underwriters, program ads and ticket sales netted more than $40,000 at the 40th Annual Big Benefit Auction in late August, which was themed “Clownin’ Around.” Funds raised benefit students directly through scholarships and program enhancements at Barton Community College.
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Coleen Cape said she feels fortunate to have reached the foundation's goal.
“It is truly impossible to gauge the amount of hard work, support and generosity it takes to make an event such as our 40th Annual Benefit Auction a success," she said. "I wish time would allow for me to visit each and every donor, volunteer and attendee to offer my personal thanks; since that is simply not possible in a timely fashion, I hope they are all aware how grateful we are for their contributions.”
With the auction being the largest fundraiser for the Foundation each year, it is important for everything to come together. Successfully orchestrating this event is something both Cape and the Foundation Board of Directors know would be impossible without support from the community.
Read more of the Foundation's 40th Annual Auction article.
The Foundation Names Old Bill Honorarium
Each year prior to the annual benefit auction, the Foundation board selects a deserving, dedicated donor(s) to be honored in this special way - one year of academic scholarships given in their name. The Foundation feels it is important to recognize excellence in giving and we have been blessed with so many generous and faithful donors, that we are proud to be able to offer the community the opportunity to honor them as well. This year the money generated from the sale of Old Bill will honor the memory of Sylvan Bleeker in recognition of his many years of support to the Foundation. Sylvan was a dedicated board member, loyal volunteer, mentor and good friend.