With a smile a mile wide, former Foundation Director Darnell Holopirek fought back grateful tears as hand after hand shot up in the audience to pledge money in honor of Holopirek and her husband, Mel, during the 37th annual Big Benefit Auction on August 22.
The auction netted almost $53,000 for scholarships and program enhancements, with more than $15,000 raised through the Old Bill Honorarium in honor of the Holopireks. Darnell served the Foundation for 11 and a half years, during which she successfully grew and organized the fundraising efforts for the college. Naming the Holopirek’s as honorees was the Foundation’s way of saying “thank you” for the many years of service. Donations can still be made online through bartonccfoundation.org by clicking the link at the top right of the page.
“We’ll always remember how well we were treated. Barton and the students we had the pleasure of serving will always hold a special place in our hearts,” she said shortly after the bidding concluded. “We were really pleasantly surprised and are appreciative of everyone’s generosity.”
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Nancy Wiebe started her new role in June and has hit the ground running. She said she was impressed by the community’s outpouring of support for the Holopireks.
“What a tribute to Darnell and Mel! More than 60 people have donated to their honorarium, and donations are still coming in by check and through our secure website,” she said. “I am so fortunate to follow such a visionary leader.”
Planning for the 38th auction is already underway. Wiebe said her first auction gave her a solid feel for the degree of support the community holds for Barton Community College.
“I am just bowled over by the enthusiastic community support. The donated items for the auction are top notch. Our underwriters not only supported the foundation financially, but volunteered their time. The Knights of Columbus went above and beyond to help us that evening,” she said. “What a successful first auction!”
For more information about the Foundation, contact the Foundation office, 620-792-1136.