SCCC Foundation Party Auction hits record high, raising nearly $97,000

By Rachel Coleman SCCC

LIBERAL, Kan. —The numbers are in, and it’s official: the 2022 SCCC Foundation Party Auction raised a record amount, nearly $97,000 for student scholarships and programs. SCCC Chief Development Officer and Associate Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Sarah Thompson reported that the 28th annual event was a huge success.

“It took a little while for us to calculate the totals, and we are thrilled to reach this all-time high amount of funds raised,” said Thompson. “I was blown away.”

A debriefing meeting in late September resulted in a long list of wins, several “firsts,” and a few notes for improvement next year.

“We count this as a huge success,” said SCCC Chief Development Officer Kyle Woodrow. Particular highlights of the auction included greater participation from Saints team members during the live auction, including on-stage appearances by agriculture instructor Will Milashoski and the SCCC cheer team.

Milashoski, who, with his wife Rachael Sirek-Milashoski, heads up the agriculture and livestock judging programs, is new to Liberal after a stint at Arizona State University. The event’s Fund-a-Need item, a signature feature of the live auction, raised $13,000 for the ag program.

“It feels great to be in the Midwest again, and feel that support from the community,” said Milashoski. “We’re already recruiting for next year’s cohort of students, and this just gives us a real sense of optimism.”

Other highlights of the evening included a complete sellout at the silent auction tables, a record 52 items in the live auction, and the introduction of naming rights for the Showcase Theater in the Shank Humanities Building. SCCC alum Jesus Manriquez claimed the right to have his name placed on the theater entrance for the next year. Longtime supporter Jo Ann Sharp successfully defended her claim on naming rights for the college’s circle drive.

“It’s great to see our community embracing the philanthropic vision of this auction,” said SCCC President Brad Bennett. “It really shows the potential for growth and we are so grateful for the support everyone showed.”

Thompson echoed the thought, thanking everyone who volunteered at the auction, including the men’s basketball team, women’s basketball team, and a host of faculty and staff.

“It’s a huge undertaking and we couldn’t do it without everyone who pitched in, especially our donors,” she said. “Saying thank you seems almost inadequate for something that can literally change our students’ lives, and we just want everyone to know how much we appreciate you.”

Sponsors for this event were: Keating Tractor, JV Energy Services, Vargas, Equity Bank, Southwest Medical Center, Epic Touch, High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, Sunflower Bank, R&E Tire, Scooters, Windtree Management & Leasing, and National Beef.

Next year’s SCCC Foundation Party Auction is already scheduled for September 16, 2023.