“BARTON DYNASTY: Hunting for Bucks” is the theme for the 36th Annual Barton Foundation Big Benefit Auction, which this year’s honorary co-chairs, Toby and Kristy Hogan, find rather fitting as the owners of the hunting service, “Central Kansas Whitetails.” Only the “bucks” being hunted in this case are green, have presidents’ faces on them and they help local students pay tuition at Barton Community College.
The Hogans have stepped up to serve as honorary co-chairs to help solicit gifts for prizes and to promote the auction, which is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Great Bend. The Foundation looks to raise about $40,000 from its auction each year, which makes it the organization’s primary fundraiser. All the proceeds go toward scholarships and program enhancements at the college.
Kristy (Straub) Hogan said it’s an honor to be selected as this year’s co-chairs.
“It’s neat to even be asked,” she said. “The college is something my family has supported for a long time, and this is something we are proud to be a part of. Barton benefits our entire community ... our students, our employees, our leaders. It touches all of us in some way, so the Foundation’s cause is one we want to support.”
Kristy said her family’s involvement ranges from alumni to her grandfather’s instrumental role in bringing the Case-New Holland technical training program to Barton, which has proven to be a huge asset for the community by bringing trainees from all over the country to Great Bend. A little-known fact: Kristy also coached the Barton golf team for three years.
Toby said he’s also honored to serve as a co-chair.
“The scholarships the Foundation gives away afford a ton of opportunities to locals,” he said. “It helps keep young people around here.”
The Hogans donated a two-person turkey hunt to be sold at the auction, about a $1,000 value.
Tickets will be available for $35 each, or $280 for a table of eight, beginning July 21. To purchase tickets, contact Coleen Cape at (620) 786-1136 or capec@bartonccc.edu
 
More about the auction
The auction is the longest running fund raising event for the Foundation and its success each year is made possible by the hard work of volunteers. Volunteers from the community, in partnership with the foundation board of directors, call on area businesses, organizations, and individuals to secure items for the live and silent auction. Each year the auction averages 150 silent auction items and 40 live auction items - the items range from merchandise, to gift certificates, services, hand-made items and special events such as dinners, hunting parties, trips etc. All attendees enjoy dinner and a social hour before the live auction.