WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Over $21,000 was raised during Missouri State University-West Plains’ 20th annual auction April 11 at the West Plains Opera House, auction organizers said.
Sponsored by Café 37, more than 160 people attended the “Mad Hat” themed event, which included silent and live auctions, organizers said.
One of the featured items on the auction block that evening was a diamond necklace by Charriol donated by Carter’s Jewel Chest in Mtn. Home, Ark., which brought in $950, organizers said. A vacation package to Discovery Beach Resort also sold for $950, they added.
Proceeds from the auction will be used to support and enhance property growth within the university’s master footprint, organizers said, adding a portion of the proceeds also will be donated to the Tuttle Amphitheater Building Project and renovation and updating of the Garnett Library.
“We would like to thank everyone who sponsored, donated, attended and purchased items at the auction,” said Joe Kammerer, the university’s director of development. “For many years, Rick Hamby has donated his services; however, he decided to hang up his hat this year, and Billy Sexton Auction Services stepped up and donated their services. We are lucky to have a generous community that embraces and supports the university.”
Also among the items up for bid at the auction were those donated by university departments and offices as part of a university departmental contest. The academic affairs office received the coveted traveling trophy for raising the most money, $490, with staff members’ donations.
“Our faculty and staff see firsthand how improvements to the campus can benefit students,” Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett said. “That’s what makes our campus so special. The people who work here truly care about the future of the campus and the students it serves.”
Members of the 2014 annual auction planning committee were Dakota Bates, Ruby Collins, Marc Hubbell, Cindy McFarland, Haley Mitchell, Barbara Nyden, Connie Pfeifer, Aimee Staggenborg and Taler Sutherland. Other auction volunteers from the community included Heather Butler, Bob Eckman, Will Jett, Bo Pace, Mallory Prewett, Billy Sexton and Mary-Louise Tollenaar. In addition, many Missouri State-West Plains students donated their time throughout the planning and implementation process of the auction.
For more information about Missouri State University-West Plains and how to donate to enhance property growth within the university’s master footprint, visit www.wp.missouristate.edu/development or call 417-255-7240.