The 26th annual auction hosted almost 370 guests and raised more than $120,000 for the school, March 14.
Superintendent Debbie Siebert said the event achieved the highest net income in the last four years, and raised about $50,000 more than last year. The profits will fund the operating expenses, which she explained as “what it costs to run the school.”
“People are excited about the school and are willing to contribute their hard-earned money because they believe in our school and our mission,” Siebert said. “But it isn’t about raising money; it’s about investing in eternity, and that theme was clear throughout the night.”
The evening featured a silent auction, a catered dinner, five raffles and a live auction, among other activities. Tickets for the event, which was held at the FC gym, sold out due to limited seating.
The 369 patrons, an increase from the 336 attendees last year, occupied 46 tables and included campus parents, faculty, alumni and other community members.
Former mayor Alan Autry served as master of ceremonies for the event, and the administration hired a professional auctioneer, Todd Croissant, to help sell the items. Mayor Ashley Swearengin also made a short appearance and spoke about her three years at the school.
“Her [Swearengin’s] speech reinforced the initial challenge of investing in eternity,” Siebert said. “She was very clear that attending FC for three years laid the foundation for her leadership skills.”
The first item auctioned, a picture book compiled by an elementary class, sold for $1,000, which Siebert believes “set the tone for the evening.”
“People came with an attitude to give, and they were generous,” Siebert said. “There was something for everyone.”
The highest-selling items, according to administrative assistant Kathy Pierce, included a gourmet dinner for eight, which went for $5,000; a one-week stay at a condo in British Columbia, which also sold for $5,000; and a two-seater electric car, which closed with a final bid of $4,750.
The other products in the live auction consisted of vacation packages, services, other elementary class projects and two papillon puppies, which each sold for $1,400, among other items on the auction Web site.
Pete DeGroot, co-chairman of the auction committee, worked as one of four spotters at the event to assist the main auctioneer. He said he has been involved with the auction for over 20 years “because it’s a good cause.”
“The auction is one of our major fundraisers that we have at FC where we can get a whole group of people together to have a union of good time, fun, fellowship and also raise money for the school,” DeGroot, who is also a parent of two students on campus, said.
Due to the presence of a professional auctioneer at the event, DeGroot said the live auction continued smoothly throughout the evening.
“I thought it [having a professional auctioneer] helped a lot,” DeGroot said. “The auctioneer can keep things moving more quickly and he can find the bidders and encourage them. It was more professional, and he made it fun.”
Many campus students volunteered to assist with set-up of the event or to coordinate various activities. After Molly Sargent, vice principal and teacher, asked the girls in the peer counseling class to sell raffle tickets at the auction, junior Lauren Barisic opted to participate.
“I thought it would be a good experience, and I thought that it might give me a chance to be more active in the school,” Barisic said. “I had never been to the auction before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s interesting to see how everyone reacts at this event ? like how people get really into the bids and start bidding wars.”
Although he has never attended one of the annual auctions, senior John Carreon said he recognizes the importance of the events and appreciates the generosity of those involved.
“I know it [money raised] has some effect on me, and probably more of an effect on other students who are involved in more school activities,” Carreon said. “It’s definitely important for the school, because it’s the biggest fundraiser we have.”
For more information and past coverage on the auction, visit the March 31, 2008, article, Auction sends service message.