By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Tickets are available for the Hays USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence dinner and auction.
The event begins at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Unrein Building, with dinner served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 each or $500 for a table of eight.
Foundation President Chrisy Crough said most of the foundation's funding comes from its annual auction, initially intended to help secure school entrances.
"Now that all of the schools have those safe and secure entrances, we are focused on making sure that all of the money raised at the auction goes directly into the classrooms to benefit the students and teachers in our district," Crough said.
Ticket purchases provide entry, dinner and drinks all evening long. You can buy tickets online or by calling 785-623-2400.
The auction will feature 40 live auction items and more than 100 silent auction items.
The auction items include spring break trips, sporting event tickets, season tickets to Fort Hays State University events, Hays High School events and various family-oriented experiences.
Interactive games, cash prizes and raffles have been added to provide fun for those who want to participate in the fundraiser but cannot afford large auction items.
"This is a fun way for them to be a part of the auction and give back to their education in the school district," Crough said.
Smokin' Co will provide catering, and Hays High culinary students will prepare desserts.
Crough said the money raised from the auction will support various academic projects and resources the school cannot provide, sparing teachers from paying out of pocket for ideas they want to implement in classrooms.
"We work directly with the district and the schools to provide students with educational opportunities that can allow them to be their best and learn in an environment that's conducive to high achievement," she said.
The funds raised to support various items include classroom seating, physical education equipment, playground equipment, books, scholarships, and social and emotional programs.
Crough said ticket sales are limited to 300. Due to strong community interest, the auction has sold out in previous years.
"The response from businesses when we ask them [for donations] is, 'Oh my gosh, yes, we would love to donate.' It's really awesome to see Hays come together," she said.
Crough also credits the Hays High football team for helping to step up chairs and tables, contributing to an evening filled with community spirit and fun.
The USD 489 Foundation accepts donations year-round. You can make donations online or by mailing a check to the foundation at 323 W. 12th St., Hays.