Centralis freshmen host Silent Auction, raise money for Community Compassion Network Food Pantry
Students, faculty, and the community came together for a good cause at the Fourth Annual Silent Auction.
The event was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.
The auction, which was coordinated by freshmen Centralis scholarship students, is the biggest fundraising event put on by the Honors Program.
“The silent auction is our most popular fundraising event,” said Associate Director of the Honors Program Judy Idema. “By the end of the day we’re usually packed and everyone is trying to outbid each other.”
Idema said the silent auction always has a great turnout and students, as well as faculty, are happy to participate in such a good cause.
“I think it’s more about supporting the cause, than gifts,” said Caro freshman Ashley Williams.
Williams placed bids on several items, but said she was happy to help the Community Compassion Network.
More than 370 items were collected from the honors students themselves along with donations from businesses, restaurants and faculty.
Among the items were gift baskets, iPod touches, a signed baseball from the Detroit Tigers and a dinner for 12 with President Ross and his wife at their home.
The overall goal was to raise $5,000 from the event, with proceeds going to the local Community Compassion Network Food Pantry.
“Sometimes when you just give money to an organization, you don’t always feel like you’re a part of it,” said Brad Stutzman, the Director of the Community Compassion Network. “Everyone from businesses, organizations and even people in the community donated items, and the auction incorporated lots of people.”
Stutzman said he thought it was a good way to get the community involved in something bigger than themselves.
