For more information or taped actuality, contact Darnell Holopirek, 620-792-9367.

August 15, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Dueser

Old Bill and Santa Keep Tradition Going at This Year’s Big Benefit Auction

What do Santa Claus and an old buffalo head known as Old Bill have in common? Both will help raise funds for scholarships at the Barton County Community College Foundation’s Big Benefit Auction. In contrast, however, Old Bill represents a longstanding tradition with the auction, while Santa has joined the auction just for this year to bring out the theme, “Crazy for Christmas.”

This year, Old Bill will play a part in the Big Benefit Auction for his 27th year. The 29th annual Big Benefit Auction is set for Aug. 25 at the Highland Hotel Convention Center. The Foundation will auction Old Bill for donations to the Keith and Marian Mull Honorarium Scholarship.

As honorary auction chair on hand to add his jolly holiday touches and encourage bidding throughout the auction, Santa will draw lucky names designating individuals to receive gifts out of his bag. Santa’s gift bag is the Christmas alternative to the fishbowl drawings of past auctions, explained Darnell Holopirek, executive director of Institutional Advancement for the college.

The Foundation’s tradition of auctioning the old buffalo head known as Old Bill began when the buffalo head was auctioned for the first time at the Foundation’s third auction.

Coleen Cape, the Foundation’s coordinator of fund-raising and special events, remembers this event well because she served as auction chair that year. The auction had a Western theme and the Claflin Fire Department donated the buffalo head as a humorous touch, Cape recalled.

Sold to the highest bidder, Old Bill brought $700 that first year. The buyer, who happened to be Cape’s father, Butch Peschka, donated the buffalo head back to the college and had it displayed at Camp Aldrich. From that time through 2001, Old Bill was auctioned to the highest bidder and raised more than $42,000 for academic scholarships and program enhancements.

The top bidders’ names were listed on a plaque as Buffalo Club Members. They included Butch Peschka, 1981; Bob and Dotty Keenan and D.J. Iannitti, 1982; Don and Delores Gibson and Don Kirkman, 1983; Roy and Marcia Westhoff, 1984; Ed and Bette Moses, 1985; Maloy and Pauline Breitenbach, 1986; Larry and Connie Shell and Danny and Darlene Biggs, 1987; Keith and Pat Bell, George and Phyllis Miller and Virgil and Eloise Belford, 1988; Jerry and Lois Alban, 1989; Chuck and Elleen Pike, Ernest, Ila and Phil Grossardt, 1990; Albert Gumbir, 1991; W.R. and Yvonne Robbins, 1992 and 1993; Lynn and Nancy Fryberger, 1994; M.E. and Margy Marmie, 1995; Max and Rosie Bennett and Larry and Mona Keenan, 1996; Dale and Yvonne Mitchell and Larry and Lynnae Partridge, 1997; Commercial Federal, Jomax Construction, Straub International, Ward Feed Yard and L.D. Davis Drilling, 1998; Rick and Lois Ball and John and Nancy Francis, 1999; Phil and Kim Grossardt, 2000; and Alan Moeder and Gail Reser, 2001.
In 2002, pledges raised by Old Bill went toward an endowment in memory of former Barton president Dr. Jimmie Downing. The endowment benefited the college's Shafer Gallery.

Beginning in 2003, donations for Old Bill have gone to an honorarium scholarship named each year in honor of individuals who have given generously to the college through their service and their gifts. Those honored with the honorarium include Jim and Jo Heaton, 2003; Dale and Donna Oliver, 2004; Don and Phyllis Whelan, 2005; George and Frances Tregellas, 2006; and Keith and Marian Mull, 2007.

With Santa bringing his jovial Christmas charm and merriment, the 29th annual Big Benefit Auction will start with the silent auction at 6 p.m. followed by the live auction at 7 p.m. led by Carr Auction and Real Estate Inc. of Larned. Tickets for the auction can be purchased now through Aug. 21 by contacting the BCCC Foundation Office, 620-792-9306. Prices are $25 per person, or $200 for a table for eight.

Tickets will not be sold at the door on the night of the event. All proceeds from the auction go toward academic scholarships and program enhancements.

Included in the live auction are 41 items. Auction-goers will have the opportunity to bid on 165 items in the silent auction. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served before the live auction begins. Following the auction, festivities will continue with a dance at 9 p.m. with music provided by Billy Wild of Garden City.