July 19, 2024
Story by Maggie Harris
Tickets for the Barton Foundation’s 45th Annual Big Benefit Auction, the Sapphire anniversary of the event, are available through Aug. 12. The auction will take place on Aug. 24.
Tickets are $50 each or $400 per table of eight. Seating is limited, and no tickets will be sold at the door, so those interested are encouraged to reserve their tickets early. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center for the silent auction. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., and complimentary beer will be available until the live auction starts later in the evening. This year’s auction is underwritten by UMB Wealth Management, Craig & Jolene Biggs, Nex-Tech, Spectrum CPA Partners LLC, and Edward Jones advisors Jim Armatys, Todd Armatys, Jim Vopat, and Kris Sundahl.
The auction includes items at all price points and features great merchandise, event tickets, and travel packages. Live auction items include VIP tickets to the Price Is Right, Broadway shows, a Mexican resort vacation, a barbeque dinner for 20 at Dry Lake Brewing, concert and sports tickets, and more. Also included in the evening is the Golden Ticket drawing, where attendees can purchase one of 125 chances to win $1,000 to spend the night of the event in the auctions.
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner said the auction is a fun event for a great cause.
"We are excited to welcome community members to join us for this milestone year to celebrate the impact they have had for the last 45 years,” she said. “We have some amazing items in the silent and live auctions, and it is always a fun time with friends while supporting Barton students. We can’t wait to see you there.”
The Big Benefit Auction is the most successful and longest-running fundraiser for the Barton Foundation. The money raised from the event supports academic scholarships, along with enhancements to programs and facilities that positively impact the learning experience of Barton students.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Barton Foundation office at (620) 792-9306, by sending an email to [email protected], or by visiting bartonccfoundation.org.