UPDATE: The 27th annual FC auction raised approximately $115,000 for the school, making it the highest-netting auction in school history, according to auction committee member Kathy Pierce.
The event, held on March 13 in the FC Gym, provided a steak dinner for patrons while the auction festivities ensued. Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims served as the special guest emcee.
Throughout the night, guests purchased 47 items in the live auction, 328 items in the silent auction, 261 raffle tickets, 116 desserts and 92 certificates.
“The money goes to help meet the gap between what tuition pays and what it really costs to run the school,” Pierce said. “The donors and bidders had the school in mind and were very generous.”
Several high-profile items contributed largely to the $115k net, including a dinner sponsored by campus parent and former Major League Baseball player Bobby Jones. His meal went for $16,000, and he agreed to sell two such dinners.
For more information, visit the school’s auction Web site.
—
Fresno Christian Schools will host the 27th annual FC Auction for FCS patrons and members of the community in the FC gym, March 13. The event, which includes a silent auction, steak dinner, live auction and other activities, will run from 5:30-9 p.m. All proceeds will support FCS.
The silent auction will offer a variety of items, including gift certificates, services and desserts. Although the steak dinner will be served at 6:30, the silent auction will continue throughout the evening.
The live auction, featuring such items as Eye-Q LASIK eye surgery, private pitching lessons from former Fresno State coach Bob Bennett, one week’s stay in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, and a gourmet dinner for eight, will begin at 7:30 p.m. and continue until the event’s close.
Superintendent Debbie Siebert says the event has features that separate it from similar fundraisers.
“The FCS auction is unique because it requires the collaborative efforts of the entire Fresno Christian Schools community,” Siebert said. “From the boards down to the kindergarten students, everyone plays a key role in the success of the evening.”
In an effort to increase participation throughout the high school and junior high, Principal Todd Bennett introduced a rewards system for gathering donations. If the highest goal for donations is reached, Bennett will shave his head at chapel.
“In order to bring in more money and get the community involved, we had to make it fun for the kids,” Bennett said. “They’re an important part of the process.
“It’s hard to say whether it’s helped increase donations, this being my first year; next year it’ll be easier to tell. We will keep building and get even more people involved in the future.”
The evening provides donors a chance to contribute both to the school and fellowship with their fellow benefactors. Director of Finance Lisa Raynes appreciates the guests’ opportunity to experience the FC community.
“In addition to the vital fundraising component, it is a unique opportunity for our guests to enjoy an elegant evening of food, fun and fellowship,” Raynes said. “It brings a sense of community but is also a wonderful way to introduce others to the FCS family by inviting them as guests.”
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims will serve as the special guest emcee throughout the evening. Raynes says she anticipates benefits by involving community leaders in the event.
“As a respected community leader, she is an example of what can be accomplished by someone who has benefited from Christian education and followed hard after God’s call on her life,” Raynes said. “Her servant leadership is an inspiration to all who have the opportunity to be in her presence.”
Although in the midst of a recession, Siebert looks to the results of last year’s event to indicate the success of this year’s.
“Surprisingly, the auction results last year were the best in the history of the auction,” Siebert said. “If we choose to look through the lens of human eyes, one would definitely expect the results to reflect the current economic conditions.
“However, as God has shown himself to not be limited to the smallness of humanity, anything is possible. He has shown His never-changing faithfulness and we look to him to always be our provider and sustainer.”
The campus women’s ensemble Praisesong will be performing a short set of songs throughout the dinner portion of the evening. Junior Jessica Massie says she is looking forward to their performance.
“I’m actually really excited to sing at the auction,” Massie said. “We’re doing very lighthearted and enjoyable songs; I especially like the Invocation, which [director] Mr. [Michael] Ogdon composed himself.”
Siebert anticipates the event to be an enjoyable time of fellowship in the spirit of giving to the school.
“If the fact that the event sold-out early is any indicator, this year’s results hold great promise,” Siebert said. “I expect the sold-out event to be an elegant evening of fun and fellowship as we enjoy giving out of the abundance of God’s blessing.”
For more information, read the March 19, 2009 article, Auction nets $120k, sells out seats or the March 11, 2009 article, Auction to generate sponsors, donations.
