Heelan Auction on June 25 Enjoys Big Success
The "Happy Days" Heelan Auction, which took place as an outdoor event at Memorial Field and an online event June 25, raised over $333,000.
At Memorial Field, the Cattlemen’s Association grilled burgers, the Sioux City Convention Center provided side dishes, beer, wine and liquor and Bullwinkle’s Ice Cream provide dessert. Guests could see the virtual auction showcase on a big screen TV at the field's shelter.
Back at Heelan’s Auditorium Dr. John Flanery and auction chair couples showcased sponsors and gifts in the hour-long broadcast that streamed live on Facebook. It can still be see on Youtube on the Heelan TV channel.
The June 25 event was rescheduled from its original date in April due to COVID-19.
Over 170 generous donors contributed gift cards, pizza for a year, vacation homes, and an adorable mini golden doodle puppy. The star feature is a 13 ft long, one-of-a kind hand-crafted shuffleboard table made of wood from the gym floor of the Pit in old Heelan, the stage and handrails. It was designed and professionally crafted by Rick Niles '84.
In a new feature, a “PRIDE Blitz” will encourage out-of-town alumni to give to Heelan and meet a $25,000 challenge from other graduates. It raised $52,000.
During the live streaming event Heelan Auction Leonard Gill ‘53 came on stage to receive the first ever “Crusader of the Year” award and Pat Collins was honored with the “Distinguished Volunteer of the Year.”
Heelan Auction Chair Couples helping to navigate the virtual auction event are: Chris and Joy Bogenrief, Ron and Katie (McElroy '88)Demers, Dave and Laurie (Wilmes '92 Bentson and Mike and Julie Maas.
Proceeds from the Heelan Auction will benefit teachers’ salaries, according to Dr. John Flanery, BHCS president.
“We were thrilled to offer two options, a party at Memorial Field with burgers, beer and bidding and a Virtual Heelan Auction where people can watch from home,” says Flanery. “While this was different from the upscale event we usually offer, we’re grateful that area COVID cases were low and we were approved to gather outside at the field. We welcomed more out of town alumni who watched, bid on items and celebrated our schools, our excellent class of graduating seniors and Heelan’s 70th year."