Scholarship Auction raises over $36,000

The 32nd annual Northwestern College Scholarship Auction, held Feb. 14, raised more than $36,000. Proceeds will help fund Alumni Scholarships for more than 50 students next year.

Around 350 community members attended the event at Northwestern College, which included a bake sale and waffle breakfast, served by American Legion members. Bids were submitted on nearly 400 items.

Items that secured generous bids included a vacation package to Keystone, Colo.; a hot air balloon ride; and a handmade Northwestern College quilt. Passes to the John Deere Classic PGA tournament in July—along with the chance to meet PGA golfer Jordan Spieth—also sold well.

Event coordinator Aletha Beeson praised community members for braving subzero wind chills to support the auction, and, ultimately, Northwestern College scholarships.

“The Scholarship Auction continues to be one of our best fundraisers and a community favorite,” said Beeson. “Most of the people who come not only go home with something valuable, they also feel good knowing the dollars they spent go directly to support students.”