Butler Foundation Auction Shatters Previous Record

The annual Butler Benefit Auction raised a record $108,000 during "A Vintage Evening 2009" Friday, April 17 at the El Dorado Civic Center. More than 300 civic and philanthropic leaders were on hand for Butler Community College's premier fund-raising event.

Now in its twelfth year, the evening offers an entertaining setting for community leaders to support the mission and work of the Foundation and includes a silent and live auction, a wine reception and dinner. The event was chaired by Butler Board of Trustees member Ted Dankert and his wife Barbara as well as Butler alumnus and Foundation Director Lonnie Snook and his wife LaDonna.

This year, generous bidders engaged in friendly competition for items such as a wine country trip donated by Frontier El Dorado Refining Co., an Italian dinner for eight as prepared by Dr. Jackie and Ray Vietti. Bidders also vied for rounds of golf at Big Horn donated by Butler alumnus RD Hubbard and his wife Joan Dale, as well as artwork, Butler athletic memorabilia and jewelry and a puppy. The Hubbard Foundation was the lead gift for the Hubbard Welcome Center which is currently under construction on the El Dorado campus.

The highest bid went toward a stuffed fox-pheasant as designed by Debbie Lucas. Wichita oilman and owner of Hartman Arena Wink Hartman was the winning bidder at $16,000.

"Our donors are savvy business and community leaders, alumni and friends of Butler who recognize that the Butler Foundation is a rewarding investment for them personally that benefits our entire region," said Butler Foundation Chief Advancement Officer Stacy Cofer. "The resounding success of the Butler Auction is due to a large group of volunteers who work together to pull off this event. We appreciate and value their involvement."