By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com

The Barclay College Ladies Auxiliary Sale, held the first weekend in October was a resounding success this year, raising a final total of $100,069.20.

“This year we had 49 quilts donated, which included all sizes – baby quilts to King size quilts,” said sale organizer Kay Unruh. “ Because they are donated, the number varies from year to year and we never know how many to expect. This year was a real blessing.”

Rarely does the sale total top the $100,000 mark, but this was one of those rare and memorable years, according to Casey Roberts, Creative Media, Audio/Visual, Marketing Executive for Barclay College.

Roberts said that this year saw toys, artwork, baked goods, canned jellies and jams, handcrafts, in addition to the record number of quilts donated and sold.

“We again witnessed the moving moment when auctioneer John Hamm simply asked people to raise their numbers to donate cash gifts from $5,000 to $100 to the college. People giving simply out of their love for the college and its mission is becoming an inspiring tradition. We are humbled and grateful for God’s blessing poured on Barclay College by our supporters,” Roberts said.

According to Unruh, the quilts featured in the auction are hand made by Barclay Alumni and supporters of Barclay College. This year they came from Texas, Washington as well as Kansas.

“We also sometimes have donations of Amish quilts. They are all beautiful works of art as well as a labors of love,” Unruh said.

The highest selling item this year was a quilt that sold for $3,600, but there was an interesting item that may have brought in as many memories as money because it was sold multiple times over in memory of the late Herb (former Barclay president) and Shirley Frazier.

“Earlier this year our Barclay family lost two dearly loved members. Herb and Shirley Frazier (Herb was a former President) went home to be with the Lord within minutes of one another. A true love story to the end. Through out the years they were faithful to attend Barclay sporting events. Their family donated their stadium seats to the auction. The seats sold three times over, as people bought them and donated them back again. It was a special way to honor them and their love for Barclay,” Unruh said.

She said that watching the generosity of those who attend the annual auction is humbling experience. Many give out of abundance but many give at great sacrifice.

All proceeds raised help pay for student scholarships and educational experiences at Barclay College.