Foundation Party Auction Raises Record $115,000 for Scholarships

by Rachel Coleman

LIBERAL, Kan. — Seward County Community College Foundation’s 29th annual party auction broke records once again, reporting a total of $115,000 in funds raised. The one-night event is the Foundation’s signature fundraiser with proceeds earmarked for student scholarships and programs.

“We are thrilled with the final numbers,” said SCCC Chief Development Officer Kyle Woodrow. “The generosity of our community is overwhelming and continues to impress.” Associate Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement Sarah Thompson spearheaded the event with help from development office staffers Magdalena Rivera and Susana Rodriguez.

“We received so much support from our longtime donors and many new supporters throughout the community,” Thompson said. “The auction represents a tremendous group effort, and we are so thankful.”

Major sponsors for the party auction were Keating Tractor and Bank of the Plains. Supporting sponsors included Ekkel Diesel Repair, Community Bank, Equity Bank, Southwest Medical Center, Monty’s Diesel Service, Kost Truck Supply, Foss Ford, Epic Touch, Lewis Chevrolet of Liberal, OC Quality Custom Homes, Armendariz Diesel, High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, Arredondo Roofing & Construction, Scooters, Hutch’s, Sunflower Bank, Windtree Management & Leasing, Rapid Fit Health Club, Jones Monument, Al Shank Insurance, R&E Tire, Edward Jones – Andrew Skinner, National Beef and Seaboard Foods.

Thompson praised the outpouring of community support from individuals, small businesses, and student groups.

“It takes help from everyone, and we definitely saw that,” she said. “We had handcrafted single items that an individual made right next to product bundles and corporate packages. The variety was mind-boggling and the quality of the donations showed thoughtfulness at every level.”

Saints fans who couldn’t make it to the Foundation Auction still have a chance to get in on the fun. The Foundation will continue selling raffle tickets for a street-legal, EZ-Go golf cart with a Coleman GolfCat Perfectemp catalytic heater.

“We’re only selling 150 tickets at $100 each so the odds are pretty fantastic,” Thompson said. “We sold about half of the tickets starting the night of the auction and will draw the winner at the Nov. 1st basketball game. You do not have to be present to win.”

Look for Saints sales stations at upcoming volleyball games and local events, or contact the Foundation office at 620-417-1135 to purchase raffle tickets.