Auction raises more than $35,000

The 25th annual Saint Paul Lutheran High School and Ministries benefit auction and hog roast dinner June 26 managed to collect over $35,000 for the school's operating funds.

The roast hog dinner was served to over 540 people and raised $5,208 for the ministry.

A live and silent auction were held in Weis Memorial Gymnasium on campus.

The silent auction included items such as certificates for services and tickets to entertainment events, jewelry, and collectibles. It raised over $8,025.

The live auction was auctioneered by Col. Glen LaRue, and the Saint Paul Board of Trustees members also offered their assistance.

Some of the items for the auction included a Sunset Maple tree, auctioned by guest auctioneer, Alan Harre.

The tree was sold to LaRue for $1,000 who then donated the tree back to the high school to plant on the campus.

Another item was the quad street sign which was sold for the 2011-12 academic year to the highest bidder who wishes to remain anonymous. The high bid for the quad sign was $1,000.

This year included a significant increase in unique items donated to the auction by the alumni. Two gemstones valued at over $5,800 were donated by custom jewelry designer J. Michael Sass, as well as entertainment packages by Tricia Vogt. Other items donated included a hand-crafted fall quilt, an original painting, and designer handbags.

Gloria Burrow, live auction chairwoman, said, "I was delighted with the many donors who shared of their gifts and talents and was especially encouraged by the partnership and alumni. Each year we seek to showcase new and exciting items and this year the live auction brought in $19,140 for the school."Throughout the auction, comments were shared by the Rev. John Frerking of Florida, a 1960 graduate of Saint Paul, and Byron Peters, father of an alumnae and a current student. The remarks spoke about the impact the ministry had on their lives and family members.