By Stacey Fisher
Freelance Reporter
Special to the Tribune

It’s a wrap for the PCC 2024 Scholarship Auction, and the event was a smashing success. The bar was set high at $110,000 this year after the previous haul of $107,000 and the generous benefactors of Pratt did not disappoint!

The goal was perfectly calibrated to be both attainable while also being a stretch. According to Barry Fisher, Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations, the early indicators were in place for a historic finish. “With the number of tables reserved and the very generous early sponsorships coming in, I felt we had a substantial foundation to build upon,” he said, “we had some great donations, including some big-ticket items to bid on. Combine that with the atmosphere of friendly competition and the auction-goer’s genuine desire to contribute, and we not only reached our goal but exceeded it by adding $114,000 for scholarships.”

The evening started with the PCC Encore group under the direction of Misty Beck, setting the scene with some great entertainment while social hour included an open bar and a vast array of appetizers of various charcuterie boards, fresh shrimp cocktail and fruit and vegetable plates. This was available to enjoy while catching up with friends and trying to win some truly spectacular silent auction prizes. Dinner followed with an entree choice of prime rib or salmon, salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean medley and rice pilaf. This sumptuous feast concluded with a dessert bar while the live auction action kicked off.

Led masterfully by John Hamm, the bidding activity was brisk and exciting, with many items going for well-above their stated value. When the final numbers were tallied, the auction raised a record-breaking $114,000.

“The foundation would like to thank all of the event sponsors, those who donated items and everyone who participated by bidding,” said Fisher, “your generosity is what makes this event so successful in providing an opportunity for deserving students.”