Each year the Barton Foundation Board chooses someone to honor with the “Old Bill” honorarium at its annual Big Benefit Auction. This year they have chosen Craig and Jolene Biggs.
In 1981, the Claflin Fire Department donated a stuffed buffalo head to the foundation auction. This unique item was christened as “Old Bill” and quickly became a mainstay of this annual event being auctioned off each year since. To date, Old Bill has netted over $210,000 in support of academic scholarships and program enhancements. Since 2002, the money generated from the sale of Old Bill has taken on an additional purpose – to honor loyal supporters and donors to Barton Community College.
Barton’s Coordinator of Fundraising and Special Events Coleen Cape said the couple truly embodies what it means to be supporters of Barton.
“I have known Craig and Jolene for many years on both a personal and professional level, and they are exemplary citizens,” she said. “They know and practice the theory of paying it forward. The foundation is proud to honor them with the Old Bill Honorarium and hope by doing so we can show them how very much we appreciate their generosity.”
Jolene Biggs said supporting the foundation is important in helping those who need a little boost in their quest for a better life.
“The foundation plays a vital role for many students who might struggle to pay for higher education,” she said. “In order for the younger generation to succeed in the workforce today, higher education is needed whether it be in specialized skilled areas or earning your bachelor’s degree. The foundation helps many students financially to reach these goals. Our hope is that it builds tomorrow’s workforce with quality leaders for the future.”
Jolene and Craig both graduated from Barton so they understand its benefit firsthand.
“Barton allowed us to do our undergraduate classes while living at home and working,” she said. “The college serves as a springboard for those working towards their bachelor’s degree and also fosters skilled workers. This higher education can be seen in our young people in the community every day. In order for the community to be strong, we need the skill sets of these higher educated leaders. The college also provides many options for updating skills, learning new skills and taking classes just for fun as we age.”
Cape said the Biggs’ have been very active supporters of the college in a variety of different ways.
“Craig and Jolene established their own academic endowment several years ago, as well as managing several others,” she said. “In addition, they have loyally supported the auction and a variety of foundation initiatives over the years. In 2013, they agreed to serve as cochairs of our Annual Enrichment Fund Campaign and because of their strong leadership the campaign was a rousing success and far exceeded its goal.”