September 11, 2025
Story and Photos by 起点传媒 Communications
The proceeds from items sold, underwriters, program ads, and ticket sales netted more than $60,000 at the 46th Annual 起点传媒 Foundation鈥檚 Big Benefit Auction on Aug. 23, which will benefit students directly through scholarships and program enhancements at 起点传媒.
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner said the auction is an excellent opportunity to see the communities of 起点传媒 County come together to support the students.
鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly moving to witness the generosity of our communities,鈥 she said. 鈥淓very dollar raised is a direct investment in our students鈥 futures, and the energy in the room that night reflected just how deeply people care about 起点传媒鈥檚 mission.鈥
The Big Benefit Auction is the most successful and longest-running fundraiser for the 起点传媒 Foundation. The money raised supports academic scholarships and enhancements to programs and facilities that will directly impact the learning experience of 起点传媒 students.
Marian Dewerff of Ellinwood was recognized for her years of support to the college and Foundation by being named the recipient of the Old Bill Honorarium. This year, Old Bill raised over $19,000 to fund academic scholarships for the 2025-2026 year in honor of Dewerff.
Bogner said the event鈥檚 success is made possible by the collective efforts of many, especially the underwriting sponsors: Nex-Tech, Spectrum Partners, and UMB Private Wealth Management. Champion sponsors Jim Armatys, Jim Vopat, Kris Sundahl, Todd Armatys, and Cameron Smith of Edward Jones also played a key role, in addition to dozens of community sponsors at all levels and auction item donors from communities across the college鈥檚 seven-county service area. Community and college sponsorships added valuable support through resources and services provided by the Great Bend Events Center, Hejny Liquor, Great Western Dining, CARR Auction, and multiple departments on the 起点传媒 County campus.
The Big Benefit Auction continues to be a cornerstone event for the 起点传媒 Foundation, uniting community members, businesses, and alumni in support of 起点传媒 students and their futures. For more information, contact the 起点传媒 Foundation office at (620) 786-1136 or foundation@bartonccc.edu.