Gala Auction raises $33,000

The 28th annual Northwestern College Gala Auction on Saturday, Feb. 5, raised $33,000.

Proceeds will help fund $1,000 Alumni Scholarships for 25 to 30 students next year, the $1,500 Northwestern College Teaching Excellence Award, and student life programs.

Around 750 community members attended the event. Bids were submitted on nearly 450 items.

Items that secured generous bids at the event included a Nebraska golf vacation, hot air balloon ride, year-long movie pass to Orange City’s Holland Plaza, and tree trimming by Dan’s Tree Service.

Prior to the auction, more than 400 bids had been submitted online. An Xbox with Kinect, Amazon.com gift card, tickets to the Minnesota Twins, and gift certificates to Orange City restaurants were among those items receiving numerous online bids.

Event coordinator Aletha Beeson praised the spirited bidding and generous giving from Northwestern’s supporters. “We’re so grateful for the immense support we receive from the community and region, year after year,” said Beeson. “In addition, the number of alumni and friends participating online continues to rise.”