The Barton Community College Foundation Board has chosen to recognize the entire Vink family with the “Old Bill Honorarium” at its annual Big Benefit Auction, which is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Great Bend Columbus Club and is themed “Life’s a Beach.” The honorarium allows auction attendees to donate to a scholarship in the honoree’s name, to be awarded for the 22-23 academic year.
“The Vinks have been supporters of Barton since its very beginning in 1969,” said Coleen Cape, Executive Director of the Foundation. “They have been loyal and generous donors and friends of the Foundation, with their support not only through Office Products Incorporated (OPI), but as individuals as well. It is hard to imagine a more deserving family to honor.”
The Vink family’s storied history with Barton is one of mutual benefit. The Vink brothers, their spouses and many of their children have attended Barton, and they have hired Barton graduates at OPI.
Kim Vink said the college’s presence ensures the workforce is educated.
“Our community and Great Bend significantly benefit from Barton,” she said.
Craig Vink, who was in the first graduating class at Barton in 1971, said he is honored they were chosen for the recognition, and that they look forward to the auction every year.
“The proceeds are well-used,” he said. “It’s a good resource for a lot of kids who couldn’t afford to go to college otherwise.”
Kenny said their participation in the auction and support of the Foundation comes naturally, and it’s how their dad raised them.
“He taught us to support the community and take care of each other, and be proud of what we do,” he said.
The Vinks said they encourage the community to join them in supporting the Foundation Auction this year.
Those wishing to contribute to the honorarium in the name of the Vinks but cannot attend this year’s event may do so by contacting the Foundation office at (620) 786-1136, or by sending an email to capec@bartonccc.edu.
Auction Details
Tickets for the Barton Foundation’s 42nd Annual Big Benefit Auction, themed “Life’s a Beach,” are available through Aug. 16. The auction will take place on Aug. 28.
Tickets are $45 each or $360 per table of eight. No tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Great Bend Columbus Club with complimentary beer and food available until 8 p.m.
The live auction will begin promptly at 8 p.m. This year’s auction is underwritten by UMB Wealth Management, Craig & Jolene Biggs, Nex-Tech, ILS and Spectrum CPA Partners, LLC.
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.
About the Old Bill Honorarium
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 nearly $300,000 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.
