School hosts fundraising auction

The spirit of generosity shone brightly Friday at the FivePine Conference Center, where Sisters Christian Academy (SCA) held their seventh annual fundraising auction. This year's theme, Denim and Diamonds, drew an enthusiastic crowed of over a 150 supporters and guests.

Once inside the conference room, guests, dressed to impress in either their finest denim or ballroom gowns, were welcomed to the night's festivities by Master of Ceremonies Jim Gurney. Attendees were then invited to partake in the first event of the night: a silent auction. Guests - sampling gourmet appetizers - worked their way around the room, past banquet tables filled with tantalizing silent auction baskets and items.

When Paul Rawlins was asked what he liked best about the auction he stated, "Personalized projects by the kids; they just put their heart into them." Rawlins also expressed his thankfulness for the donated items. "Items donated show just how much the community cares."

At the conclusion of the silent auction, guests returned to their seats and were officially welcomed by Peter Storton, SCA board chairman. Storton thanked all of those who made a special contribution in making this year's auction a success, including a special thank-you to Susan Robinson and Chris Gurney, who also received appreciation from Barby Martin, SCA's principal.

"Everything depends on raising funds," Storton told the audience. "Currently the school's enrollment only covers 60 percent of the operating budget, everything else has to come from fundraisers such as this auction, and for 14 years we have managed to pull through it; we always make it."

Auctioneer Dennis Turmon and ringman Lynn Miller got the live auction started with a bang; their crazy antics, enthusiasm, and boundless energy helped to keep those paddles flying high. There were numerous temptations to be found for those who came wielding an itchy paddle finger.

As the night came to a close, smiling guests gathered their prizes and said their goodbyes, and when it was all said and done the event helped raise $32,000 for Sisters Christian Academy.