WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Missouri State University-West Plains’ 25th annual True Blue Auction is just around the corner, and this year, proceeds are going to a community-wide education initiative – the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT).
The facility and its contents were badly damaged by flooding last spring, just weeks after it opened. Funds raised from the April 13 event at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., will go toward equipment repairs and the purchase of other supplies, organizers said.
GOCAT houses the university’s Associate of Applied Science in Technology program, they pointed out.
“GOCAT is a partnership between the university, South Central Career Center and the City of West Plains,” said Missouri State-West Plains Director of Development Melody Hubbell. “When the facility was flooded last year, we were all affected.
“The amount of support that businesses, organizations and individuals are giving to the auction is evidence that GOCAT is important to the communities we serve,” she added.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT SHOWN THROUGH SPONSORS
The auction’s lead sponsors include FMC Coastal Energy, Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply, Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic and Regal Beloit Corporation.
Other sponsors include Arvest Bank, Bailey Chevrolet GMC, Barn Hollow Veterinary Services, Community First Banking Company, Davidson Insurance, DRS Technologies Inc., Gammill Inc., Holiday Inn Express, Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, Johnson Machine Works LLC, King Mountain Enterprises Inc., Landmark Bank, Meeks Building Center, Penmac, Sheridan & Sheridan, Southern Bank, Southern Hills Shopping Center, Southern Missouri Chiropractic, West Plains Savings & Loan, and Wiles Abstract & Title Company.
TICKET INFORMATION
In celebration of its 25th year, tickets for the auction are $25 each, which includes dinner, beverages and a bidder number.
Guests can start bidding on silent auction items at 5:30 p.m. GOCAT officials will be on hand to answer questions and conduct equipment demonstrations at 6 p.m. The live auction will begin at 7 p.m.
To purchase tickets, call the Missouri State-West Plains development office, 417-255-7240; email WPDevelopment@MissouriState.edu; or visit the auction website.
To take a sneak peek at auction items, visit the Missouri State-West Plains Alumni and Friends Facebook page.