Fundraising numbers, thanks to the generosity of the community, continue to grow for the Wright City R-II School District.The latest effort to provide funds for students to further their education yielded the best outcome to date.The Blue and Pot O’ Gold Auction, themed for St. Patrick’s Day, brought in around $65,000 before expenses.“It was a fantastic turnout, and we had a lot of great community support,” said Event Coordinator Kristin Beckmeyer. “We were really pleased with the results.”This year’s total significantly exceeded the $55,000 raised in 2017.After expenses, 100 percent of the remaining funds will go toward scholarships for seniors at Wright City High School.“We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of supporters to our cause,” said Beckmeyer.The event drew 295 dinner guests and had an additional 30 to 40 volunteers. The traditional prime rib menu was served after the initial social hour and silent auction time.The oral auction concluded the evening with a wealth of generosity. Among the top-selling items were the naming rights for the athletic facilities at Wright City High School. The football field naming rights were purchased by Ivy League Homes, while the baseball field naming rights went to Cathy Heiliger. Naming rights for the basketball court were purchased by the local carpenters union.Altogether, the three naming rights raised around $8,000.The other hot ticket item was a stay in a condominium on Captiva Island in Florida, which sold for $2,200.“I can’t say enough about the army of people putting on this event,” said Wright City School District Superintendent Dr. David Buck. “So many people spend months getting ready for this event, and we are extremely grateful. This is so important for our young people.”The funds will be distributed during the scholarship ceremony in May.

Derek Kessler, Becky Lindblom, Curt Meister and Diane Beauchamp took advantage of props and a photo backdrop provided for attendees at the Blue and Gold dinner and auction March 24 at the Wright City Lions Club. 

Record photo/Adam Rollins

Jennifer Buck and Wright City Superintendent Dr. David Buck, left and center, stopped for a photo with Jill Smoot, the school district's executive administrative assistant, while browsing the silent auction area of the Blue and Gold fundraiser March 24 at the Wright City Lions Club. 

Record photo/Adam Rollins

Community members gathered at the Wright City Lions Club March 24 at the annual Blue and Gold dinner and auction to raise money for the Wright City High School Scholarship Fund. The event's theme was "Blue and Pot o' Gold; Luck of the Wildcats." 

Record photo/Adam Rollins

From left, Kim Fast, Krissy Dutton and April Brower collect donations for a gun raffle at the Blue and Gold fundraiser for Wright City student scholarships March 24 at the Wright City Lions Club.

Record photo/Adam Rollins

Bernard and Debby Birger have a fun photo moment with props and a backdrop offered at the Blue and Gold dinner and auction March 24 at the Wright City Lions Club. The annual event raises money for student scholarships.

Record photo/Adam Rollins