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

September 8, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Jerke

“Buckskin, Boots and BBQ” made a hit with auction-goers attending the Barton Community College Foundation’s Big Benefit auction this year. Darnell Holopirek said she could tell by the number of those attending whose dress matched the Western theme and by the compliments the Foundation received on the theme and the chuck-wagon barbecue.

The auction, which took place Aug. 22 at the Highland Hotel and Convention Center, exceeded its fund-raising goal of $35,000. “We were just extremely pleased with the results,” said Holopirek, who serves as Barton’s Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. Auction attendance totaled 315.

“We attracted new people to the event and we felt the items donated for the auction this year exceeded our expectations,” she continued. “It was an opportunity for businesses to show support for the College and they really got behind our efforts. The people gave wonderful gifts.”

The event offered 199 silent auction items and 42 items for the live auction. Holopirek complimented Foundation board members Sharon Mauler and Debbie Niedens for their part in leading the volunteers who solicited and secured the items. “Our volunteers did a wonderful job,” Holopirek said.

When it came to auctioning the old buffalo head known as Old Bill for the honorarium named in honor of Great Bend oil man Al Yost, the bidders contributed a total of $6,200, which will go toward honorarium scholarships for 2010-11. The 96-year-old Yost, who donated a Toyota Camry Hybrid to Barton’s Automotive Technology Program in 2008, was accompanied by Darcy Wedel, Barton Auto Tech instructor and coordinator, and they joined Ron Kirmer, Barton Auto Tech instructor, for the auction festivities.

Auction honorary co-chairs Matt and Mary Hoisington showed their enthusiasm promoting the auction and bringing new people to the event, especially from Russell and Ellsworth, two of the communities they have called home.

People also came from Lyons, Ellinwood, Hoisington and Larned, in addition to the many Great Bend supporters. Carr Auction and Real Estate Inc. of Larned conducted the event led by Jim Froetschner, who fit right in with the theme in his usual cowboy boots and western style, Holopirek remarked.

The annual Big Benefit Auction is the Foundation’s largest fund-raiser, she said, adding that next year’s auction is already set for Aug. 21. Planning for the event will begin in February.

One Western-clad auction-goer places a bid during the silent portion of the Barton Community College Foundation’s Big Benefit Auction as others look over the items and ponder their bids.

Flanked by Barton Automotive Technology Instructor/Coordinator Darcy Wedel, left, and Auto Tech Instructor Ron Kirmer, right, during the Barton Community College Foundation’s Big Benefit Auction, Al Yost holds up his card to place a bid for the honorarium scholarship named in his honor.