Santa's Traveling in Style – Since it's too early to get out the sleigh and reindeer, Santa – as honorary chair of the BCCC Foundation's Big Benefit Auction – has opted instead to travel to the auction in a shiny red convertible. He recently made a trial run to Barton's campus in the sleek and sporty vehicle.

For more information, contact Darnell Holopirek, 620-792-9367. July 13, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Story by: Linda Dueser Barton's 29th Annual Big Benefit Auction Goes 'Crazy for Christmas'             The Barton County Community College Foundation will prove that Christmas wishes do come true at their 29th annual Big Benefit Auction set for Aug. 25, just four months to the day of Christmas 2007. Theme for the event is "Crazy for Christmas," and Santa Claus himself has been named honorary chair of the event.             Tickets go on sale Tuesday (July 17) and they can be purchased 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.             Taking place at the Highland Hotel and Convention Center, the event will begin with a silent auction at 6 p.m. followed by the live auction at 7 p.m., conducted by Carr Auction and Real Estate Inc. of Larned. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served before the live auction begins. Following the auction, festivities will continue with holiday music at 9 p.m. provided by Billy Wild of Garden City.

           "It's going to be exciting," said Darnell Holopirek, Barton's executive director of Institutional Advancement. "People can come and enjoy the holiday spirit and they can buy their Christmas gifts early."
           New this year, a champagne fountain will help bring out the festive atmosphere, Holopirek said. Sponsors of the fountain are Rob and Trisha Dove, West 10th Liquor and Waters True Value.
The old buffalo head "Old Bill," which has for years raised thousands of dollars for scholarships at foundation auctions, will help raise the funds for the honorarium scholarship named in honor of Keith Mull of Larned and in memory of his wife, Marian Mull. The funds raised by Old Bill at this year's auction will be awarded through the Keith and Marian Mull Honorarium Scholarships for the 2008-09 academic year.
            "The auction donors have gone all out this year," Holopirek said. "They have the spirit of giving and they have donated some wonderful and awesome gifts." She said she was happy to note that several communities in addition to Great Bend have been strong supporters this year. "Lyons has become a big donator this year, and Larned and Ellinwood have given great support as well," she said.
            This year, Santa will draw lucky names to receive gifts out of his bag. Santa's gift bag is the Christmas alternative to the fishbowl drawings in past auctions, Holopirek explained. Included in the live auction are 41 items. Auction-goers will have the opportunity to bid on 165 items in the silent auction.
            Several trips have been donated for the live auction. A hunting trip will offer one day of pheasant hunting including lunch and the use of hunting dogs and having the birds cleaned. Another trip offered is to the Kansas City Plaza. This trip includes a stay at The Raphael, dinner for two, a horse-drawn buggy ride and cash for shopping.
             A three-day "Christmas in Branson" condo stay will also be auctioned, as well as a Colbert Hills golf excursion in Manhattan and a trip to Las Vegas for the final night of the National Finals Rodeo.
            Also to be auctioned will be a train set; a 5-foot Santa Claus made exclusively for the auction by local artist Loretta Miller; three Made-of-Iron Christmas trees yard ornaments in sizes of 4, 5 and 6 feet; a work package offered by Barton's Student Ambassadors, who will give the highest bidder two hours of work, four times a year (eight hours total); a Christmas Mexican Fiesta for 30 people; dessert of the month for 12 months; several commercial communications packages; a handmade Christmas quilt measuring 84-by-84-inches; and the table of choice at the annual Great Bend Chamber of Commerce banquet.
             In addition, the Foundation will decorate a Christmas tree to be auctioned at the end of the evening along with a matching Christmas wreath.
            "Our goal is to raise $40,000 in net proceeds from the auction," Holopirek said. To help promote the auction, the BCCC Foundation will host several area chamber of commerce coffees. The venues include Hoisington on July 19 in the chamber office; Great Bend on July 26 at the Highland Hotel; Larned on Aug. 2 at the Jordaan Room of the chamber office; and Ellinwood on Aug. 3 at Sunflower Bank.
            The Big Benefit Auction is the Foundation's longest running fund-raiser. All proceeds from the auction go toward academic scholarships and program enhancements.