By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Nearly 300 supporters packed the Wright City Lions Club last Saturday for the annual Blue and Gold Auction, which benefits local scholarship recipients through its fundraising efforts.This year’s event raised about $58,000 before expenses and is expected to surpass last year’s mark of $37,000 once the net figure is determined.“We had a really good turnout this year,” said Event Coordinator Jackie Nierman. “We were up in attendance, and we felt like everything went well. It was a successful night.”Funds were raised through a variety of efforts. The evening began with a silent auction and social hour. Attendees bid on St. Louis Cardinals and Blues memorabilia, game tickets and lawn and garden items, among others.Drinks and cocktails were served leading up to the dinner, which also included a dessert dash for the first time. Nierman says the cakes and pies donated by individuals, as well as local businesses such as Hometown Bakery and Ball’s Q Shack, raised around $3,000.An oral auction was held near the conclusion of the dinner, with attendees bidding on the bigger-ticket items. The largest fundraiser was the naming rights for the Wright City High School Football Field for the 2017 season, which sold to Ivy League Homes for $3,300.American Bank purchased the naming rights to the Wright City High School Gymnasium for the 2017-18 school year for $1,300.Other big-ticket items were a pair of Yeti coolers, as well as a clay bird shooting experience.Nierman said the event has been instrumental in providing for the future betterment of students in the district.“We’ve helped support over 320 students,” said Nierman. “Each year we try to increase the amount we give. It always amazes me the support we get.”Last year the Blue and Gold Auction benefited 12 seniors.Nierman says any student living within the R-II District, whether attending public or home school, is eligible to apply for the scholarships under certain criteria. Students must be planning to attend a four-year university, community college or trade school. They must have maintained a 3.0 grade point average if heading to a university or a 2.5 grade point average if seeking one of the other paths.Nearly 300 people attended the Wright City Blue and Gold Auction on Saturday at the Lions Club. The event raised approximately $58,000 prior to expenses for local scholarships for students in the R-II school district through a dinner, desert dish, silent auction and oral auction. Record photo/ Derrick Forsythe.
