Central Christian seeking donations for March auction
In creating its annual auction, Central Christian School utilizes all of the staff and students, who help make it a major fundraiser to help students better afford tuition.
While the annual Central Christian School Auction won’t take place until March 11, the push at this moment is to invite those who feel blessed and want to share that blessing with others in the community to donate to the auction.
According to Nathan Holton, CCS superintendent, they are currently accepting all types of donations, from smaller household items to big-ticket items. In addition, they are currently in search of individuals or businesses willing to become partners for the auction or provide matching funds.
“We have two main fundraisers each year including the Community Service Day and our annual auction,” Holton said. “All of the proceeds from both events go directly into our Fair Balance Student Tuition Fund.”
CCS has a sliding tuition fund that allows families of all incomes the ability to afford attending. However, the FBSTF was designed to help lower the tuition fee for all students to make it even more affordable.
“This fund allows each family to pay a variable rate of tuition based on their own income and resources,” Holton said. “No Central student pays the full cost of their education. The generosity and support of the community is appreciated and is an important part of how Central works.”
Students perform integral parts in each fundraiser, creating service-oriented community projects for the Community Service Day and taking part in many ways during the auction.
“We can’t express enough gratitude to our community for the support we receive each year for both of these events,” Holton said.
He said one additional factor has aided in the success of the auction.
“People around here love a good auction,” he said. “That’s why we want to create a list of fantastic auction items that provides something for everyone.”
He went on to say the auction also brings together the Central Christian School family, whether it is staff, current students, alumni or families of whom Central has played an integral part in their lives.
“It really is a big reunion for our Central Christian family,” Holton said. “The auction may not be a school day, but it is a school community day where everyone pitches in.”
He said with numerous quality public schools in the area, Central relies on a generous community donor base of people who believe in the mission of the school.
He said it isn’t unusual to see the act of charity taking place the day of the auction, noting winning bidders will recognize a need and donate to the back-up bidder or give their winning item to a school staff member.
Holton said there are obvious donations like furniture, power tools, home-décor items, toys and other usual donations, but they also are seeking donations of the more unusual type, like gift cards, trips, donations from families who have unique talents, and gifts like a craft or someone who could provide lessons for a sport or musical experience, even a summer evening of water skiing or a picnic and lawn concert at Blossom.
“We encourage people to think creatively of things they already do,” Holton said.
The sponsorship idea is new to the auction. In the past the school has received matching donations from people, but they felt with the annual auction drawing between 400-500 participants from the local area and beyond, CCS auction sponsorships would be great exposure for local businesses.
“We’re looking for area businesses or individuals to sponsor items if they don’t have an item to donate,” Holton said. “It’s a neat way for them to get some exposure, but we know most of them simply want to support the school.”
Prior to the live auction, Central will host a silent auction and an online auction leading up to the live event that will begin Friday, March 3 and close March 10, so they are seeking items for that auction and their large live auction.
Holton said the generosity of the community has allowed the school to add some much-needed improvements over the past couple years including an office wing, classrooms, an upgraded HVAC and the new parking lot.
However, the auction money will all remain dedicated to the student fund.
“We are overwhelmed with the support and loyalty we have experienced over the years, and we are excited about creating a big energy around this year’s auction,” Holton said.
For more information contact CCS Development Director Terry Shue. For donation or becoming a sponsor, call the school at 330-857-7311.