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

July 27, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Jerke

A custom-made cowboy hat from the Greeley Hat Co. and a cowboy figurine made by local artist Loretta Miller will help convey the theme of the Barton Community College Foundation's 31st annual Big Benefit Auction set for Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Highland Hotel and Convention Center.

"Buckskin, Boots & BBQ" is the theme chosen to spur auction participants this year in their support of the college's academic endeavors. Matt and Mary Hoisington have been chosen as the honorary co-chairs. The event will begin with the silent auction at 6 p.m. followed by the live auction at 7 p.m. A chuck wagon barbecue buffet will be served before the live auction begins.

The Foundation has named its "Old Bill" honorarium this year in honor of Great Bend oilman Al Yost. The old buffalo head to date has raised more than $91,600 at Barton Foundation auctions to enhance the Barton students' academic experience. The Al Yost Honorarium Scholarships will be awarded to students for the 2010-11 academic year.

In the college's 40th anniversary year, the Foundation is continuing its tradition of raising the funds necessary for academic scholarships and program enhancements, said Darnell Holopirek, Barton's Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.

"The Foundation has been a strong leader in making things happen for the past 40 years," she said. "We plan on being here working hard to make the next 40 great."

Last year the Foundation exceeded its goal, raising more than $45,000 with the auction. "This year our expectations remain very high, due primarily to the generosity and loyal support of both donors and auction attendees," said Coleen Cape, the Foundation's Coordinator of Fund-raising and Special Events.

"Of course, we have to be realistic considering the current economic climate, but donations to the auction this year are bigger and better than ever before. The community has stepped up to make sure this event is just as successful as previous auctions," Cape said. "The people in the community have been faithful and loyal to us and we have come to count on their support. Certainly this year will be no exception."

In the past few years, the support and donations to the auction have extended outside the Great Bend area to include great support from Larned, Lyons, Sterling, Chase, Ellsworth, Russell and surrounding counties, Cape said.

Carr Auction and Real Estate Inc. of Larned will conduct the auction. Reservations can be made through Aug. 15 for $30 per person, or $240 for a table of eight, by calling the Barton Foundation Office, 620-792-9306. Reservations must be made in advance; admission cannot be purchased at the door.

The silent auction will offer 191 items this year, including gift certificates for a variety of items and services, homemade items, gift baskets, jewelry, clothing, including items from Barton's Bookstore, bowling balls, several works of art, and many other items.

The live auction of 42 items will feature Kansas City weekend tickets to the American Royal Barbecue, his and hers leather jackets, jewelry, a day at the spa for two, half a side of beef, an overnight stay in Cowtown and a Western plate carved by Great Bend wood carving artist Lynn Kaiser.

In addition, the auction will offer a yellow Prowler, which is a 10-foot gas sports car for a single driver, a Polaris Predator, advertising packages, a wild game dinner for 20 people, an autographed uniform of Billy Butler from the Kansas City Royals, a puppy hunting dog including two months of training, a coaster bar and matching stools, a European hunt for six, grills, a Barton bench, table and birdbath.

Major event sponsors for the auction include Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend Regional Hospital, BMI, Great Bend Farm Equipment, the C. Neal Crane Family Trust and Farmers Bank and Trust. Auction underwriters this year are Hoisington National Bank, L&M Contractors, Jim and Kathi Armatys, Clara Barton Hospital, Alliance Insurance Group, Roto Mix, American State Bank, Central States Alfalfa Corporation and CMF of Kansas.

Drawings will feature a 10-foot gazebo with screened curtain, a bulls-eye washers game, portable grill, grilling tools, chef's hat and apron and a $150 gift certificate to Mike's Meat Market.

To help promote the auction, the Foundation will host the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Highland Hotel, which is co-sponsoring the event. The hotel will have a D.J. after the chamber event for anyone who would like to stay to enjoy the music.

Holopirek said the Foundation, as always, is grateful for the showing of support from the community. "The reason our community members support the auction is that they believe in education," she said.

"They know what Barton Community College is doing for the community and they know how hard the Foundation works to help the students with program enhancements, scholarships and overall educational pursuits."

Go to Sidebar Content