Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Darnell Holopirek said 325 people attended the auction. “It was really a neat group of people,” she said. “One of the things we noticed was we had a varied group of people buying, and they proved they weren’t just there for a bargain. They were there to support the college with their bids on the auction items.”
She said people commented on the quality of the items. “We had a good variety, and they were really items people wanted to bid on.” The “Star-Spangled Tropical Paradise,” which was a trip to Cancun, brought the highest bid of $1,900 in the live auction.
Holopirek was delighted with the net balance of $40,000, once the totals were finalized and bills were paid. “We are more than pleased with the results of the auction, both from a financial standpoint and with the community support,” she said.
“This year, donations for the old buffalo head known as “Old Bill” honored George and Frances Tregellas, who made a special trip to Great Bend from their home in Sun City, Ariz., to support the college. The total raised was $4,000, which goes directly to Barton academic scholarships. “We’re very pleased with the total raised for the honorarium and we give a heart-felt thanks to the Tregellases for their loyalty and support of the college,” Holopirek said.
All proceeds from the auction each year go toward academic scholarships and program enhancements. Funds from last year’s auction made it possible to award 217 scholarships for a total of $133,900, including endowed and annually funded scholarships as well as the Whelan and Oliver honorariums.
“We truly appreciate everyone who helped make this event so successful,” Holopirek said.
“We particularly want to thank Doug and Jane Ayre of Larned, our co-chairs, who just did a fabulous job and brought in a lot of donors from the Larned area as well as new attendees,” said Coleen Cape, Barton’s Alumni Coordinator, who helps plan the auction each year. In addition, Barton’s Presidential Scholars and Student Ambassadors helped set up before the event.
Cape also named Carr Auction for doing “an excellent job” of keeping the live auction on track, and Eagle Radio personality Sacha Sanguinetti for adding his humor and style as emcee. “And of course, we must thank the community – all of our donors and the merchants, who every year live up to the challenge and donate the items,” she said.
“Then lastly, we really appreciate every single, solitary person who attended and supported the event,” she added.
Since the August time frame was well received this year, the Foundation has already set next year’s event for Aug. 25. “So we can give everyone a heads-up for next year,” Holopirek said. |
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