Talking, laughter and the sound of clinking glasses and silverware filled the air of the campus gym on March 29. Scattered waiters and student volunteers milled about the room, providing guests with whatever they requested.

Each year, visitors and parents fill the campus, bidding on items they know will benefit the school’s educational quality.

Participants seemed to enjoy the event.

“I enjoy supporting the school, seeing my friends and socializing,” Fresno Christian parent Walter Kneefel said. “I don’t mind spending money on items that would benefit students and the school.”

According to organizers, the event’s planning takes many months of hard and often stressful work to put on.

“Each year I get nervous because of all the logistics,” Foundation President Gary Warkentin said. “But each year God makes everything fall into place, especially when I have to make decisions on the fly.”

This year’s festivities grossed over $74,000. Over 400 auction items were donated and 370 dinner tickets were sold. For the first time in the 20-year event, the auction was sold out.

According to Warkentin, around 375 people attended the auction, which for the first time sold out all available tickets.

The evening’s festivities kicked off with a silent auction, run by junior high Dean of Students George Freeman, on donated items. According to some witnesses, the bidding was fierce at times.

“The bidders were vicious,” Jenna Burford, ’05, volunteer, said. ?They will push and shove to get their bid in at the last second. The dessert tables were the worst.”

A live auction, run by Wayne Huggins, followed a steak dinner.

“I participate year after year in the FC Auction because of my relationship with Gary Warkentin,” Huggins said. “I also was saved at The Peoples Church and I enjoy watching the school grow and progress.”

With auction attendance and donations at an all-time high, Superintendent Tim Wilkins was upbeat after the action.

“The live auction was exciting,” Wilkins said. “The spirit of giving was definitely in the air. It was a better auction than in years past.”

Organizers say that the auction is the school’s single biggest fundraising event and that proceeds this year will go towards a $20,000 tuition assistance grant.

Remaining money will go towards miscellaneous programs including building funds.” “File photo” “After 13 years of serving at the FC Auction, auctioneer Wayne Huggins, above, barked out bids on March 29. Donations poured into the administration’s offices since December. The auction’s netted over $56,000 and will be used to off-set tuition and supply costs.” “” “” “