SAINTS PERSPECTIVE, SCCC President Brad Bennett
It’s hard to believe that the Seward County Community College Foundation party auction will celebrate its 30th year this month. But it’s true. When guests and friends of the college head to the Seward County Event Center on Sept. 21, they are marking three decades of targeted, thoughtful fundraising by the College’s main supporting body, the Foundation.
And SCCC is fortunate to have this resource. Among the 19 community colleges in the state, SCCC’s Foundation ranks second in terms of its endowed funds. It’s a remarkable achievement when you consider our location, far from the metropolitan centers of Kansas society.
The first Foundation auction was a much smaller affair, hosted at the former Liberal Country Club, which later burned down. The first auction used a pirate theme, so guests came in costume, and were met by Foundation employees and students, also in costume. It was a brave experiment in fundraising for a college that was barely 20 years old.
And it was a rousing success. For many years after, the annual auction grew, as did the proceeds. During that time, the SCCC Foundation got its footing, was formally organized, and selected a board that continues to oversee it as a separate entity from the College itself.
These long-ago developments have been on everyone’s mind this year, as the Foundation sought and hired a new director and in the process, re-examined and refined its operations and procedures. The goal, however — to support students and the College — did not change.
We’re so thankful to welcome SCCC alum and finance whiz Teresa Randle to the helm. She joins our Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Sarah Thompson, and staffers Magdalena Rivera and Susana Rodriguez. The Foundation marked a milestone last spring as the Sharp Champions Center Phase 2 cut the ribbon. Other key achievements included record-breaking fundraising at the 29th annual auction, revamping the Foundation’s online presence (still ongoing) and updates and improvements to operational functions.
Of course, none of the Foundation’s work would be possible without its directing board. Last year, we mourned the loss of longtime treasurer and steady source of encouragement and enthusiasm Al Shank. His contributions, of course, live on, but we miss him.
For several months now, the SCCC Foundation auction team has been collecting donations, making plans for the big night, and planning for what we hope will be the best auction in College history. We’ll be auctioning off trips, outdoor items, art, jewelry, furniture, and many one-of-a-kind items and bundles … a little something for everyone. Guests can also take part in the “Lucky Draw” booth with highly-coveted auction items, and the 50-50 cash drawing, where half the proceeds go to the Foundation and the winner walks away with half the cash collected through the evening.
If you haven’t already purchased your wristband ticket, now is the time to do so. You’ll enjoy a delicious catered meal, complimentary drinks and dessert, a silent auction, live auction, and plenty of great fun and social engagement with friends and neighbors. All proceeds from the event go to student scholarships and programs.
For more information, contact the Foundation at 620-417-1134, or email
ABOUT THE WRITER — Brad Bennett is the president of Seward County Community College and a willing volunteer at auction preparations sessions. He can set up tables and chairs like nobody’s business, and can’t wait to welcome guests on Sept. 21. You can reach him at
