Proceeds will help fund $1,000 Alumni Scholarships for 30 to 35 students next year, the $1,500 Northwestern College Teaching Excellence Award, a fall workshop for faculty, and student life programs.

More than 500 people attended the 125th anniversary-themed event. Bids were submitted on nearly 450 items.

Items that secured generous bids included a hot air balloon ride, a football signed by Minnesota Vikings rookie Adrian Peterson and a Nintendo Wii.

Alumni director Rachel Van Den Broek praised the warm spirit and giving of Northwestern’s supporters. “I was overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of the donors and the bidders,” she said. “I’m already looking forward to planning next year’s auction.”