Published October 26, 2018
There’s a sweet, brand new tractor up for bids next Friday, but it isn’t your ordinary agriculture implement. Then again, this won’t be an ordinary southwest Kansas ag auction, either.
The Dodge City Community College Foundation’s Lights! Camera! Auction! will start rolling at 5:30 Nov. 2, inside the Student Activity Center on the DC3 campus.
The aforementioned tractor is indeed shiny and new, but it likely won’t plow many acres as it’s battery powered, made of plastic, and about a foot-and-a-half tall. The donation, from American Implement, is actually a 12-volt, ride-on tractor with two speeds plus reverse, and a working frontend loader.
Not only is the tractor a gift any grandchild would love, it’s also just one of the many unique items available at the auction, which is one of the most important events of the year for the Foundation. Students in every department on campus have received scholarships supported by the Foundation, and the auction allows people to give to the Foundation’s efforts while getting a shot at some fantastic items – all tax deductible.
Foundation director Chris Haselhorst has been busy rounding up donations, and she’s seen a broad, enthusiastic response from the community – not only from businesses but private individuals as well.
“We’re seeing more and more people understanding the priceless contribution they make when they support the Foundation,” Haselhorst said. “So many generous businesses and families in this community and the surrounding areas believe in these students and in the mission of higher education. The Foundation acts as a vehicle to help donors get the most mileage out of their philanthropic efforts.”
Haselhorst said the Foundation has seen an uptick in philanthropic activity in the past couple years – including supporting the Student Activity Center with an as-yet anonymous donation of the public walking track, as well as another anonymous in-kind donation of the SAC parking lot – with plans to add even more donated parking space.
“It’s so uplifting and reassuring to see the generosity of people,” she said. “Whether they’re giving us a hundred dollars or a hundred thousand dollars, we are grateful for a resurgence of donors who support Dodge City Community College and acknowledge the value which the Foundation adds to the community and the college.”
Haselhorst has arranged for some fun items among the hundreds of donations to be included in the auction.
Bidders will have a chance at three different luxury vacation home stays – Breckenridge and Estes Park in Colorado, as well as a full week in Destin, Florida.
Conq alums may be interested in a one-of-a-kind fire pit, custom-made by DC3 welding students and emblazoned with the Conq logo.
Classic baseball fans might enjoy a genuine Conquistador baseball jersey, personalized for and signed by Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson at the Cavalier Field dedication in 1999.
If you’re into beer and/or bike riding (and who wouldn’t be?), Western Beverage donated a Bud Light cruiser-style bicycle. Glazer’s Beer and Beverage donated a unique, Rocky Mountain-shaped Coors Light mini fridge to adorn your local man cave.
Haselhorst is also lugging around an oversized folder fat with gift certificates to area businesses.
Some auction items are listed as silent auction only. The larger items though, will be open competitive bidding.
Tickets for the Foundation auction are $50 in advance, which includes a prime rib dinner prior to bidding. For more information contact Chris Haselhorst at chaselhorst@dc3.edu or call the Foundation at 620-225-9541.
By Scott Edger