The campus will host the 26th annual auction for FC patrons and members of the community in the Fresno Christian gym, March 14. The event, which includes a silent auction, catered dinner, live auction and other activities, will run from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Through the sale of the various items, the administration hopes to net $100,000 to “support the mission of Fresno Christian,” Superintendent Debbie Siebert said. She described the auction as “a social event to provide a venue for generosity.”
“The auction is a festive event to build community, to raise money to support the school, to build relationships among stakeholders and to broaden exposure to the outlying community,” Siebert said. “It’s the only event where we invite people to join us who don’t have an intimate relationship with the school.”
Former mayor Alan Autry will serve as master of ceremonies as well as co-emcee with Siebert. There will also be a professional auctioneer to help introduce and sell auction items.
“I think it [having Autry] will bring a little prestige to what we’re doing by having him as our co-emcee,” Kathy Pierce, administrative assistant, said. “I think others will talk about how he was there, which will help promote our school. We’ve always felt that the auction is a community event, so this helps to solidify that.”
The event will begin with a silent auction for a variety of items, including gift certificates, baskets of products, tours and other services.
Then at 6:30, Pardini’s Catering will serve dinner to guests. The meal will consist of New York steak with demi-glace, scalloped potatoes, whole roasted garlic green beans and ciabatta rolls, along with beverages. Desserts will be sold in the silent auction.
The live auction will commence at 7:30 and continue until the close of the event. Some of the notable auction items are a one-week stay at a condo in Cabo San Lucas, LASIK eye surgery at Eye-Q Vision Care and a ride-along for two aboard Eagle One, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department’s helicopter.
Throughout the evening, peer counseling students will sell raffle tickets for a $500 grand prize cash drawing, as well as four other drawings for dinners at local restaurants. Those who do not win the grand prize will still be included in the other drawings, according to Pierce.
Despite the current economic situation, the school has received many donations in the form of money and items for the event. Siebert said she analyzed contribution trends over the last three years and determined that, “to date, our experience at FC has been that overall contribution is up.
“People are excited about our future and are willing to support us with their financial resources because they believe in our vision,” Siebert said. “They hold strong convictions about helping to provide a faith-based education for Christian families in our community.”
Tickets cost $50 and will be available until March 13. For ticket reservations or information on donations, call the central office at (559) 299-1695, ext. 100.