BY CHRISTINA ULAJ
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Going once, going twice, SOLD!
Everest Academy celebrated its 13th Annual Gala Holiday Auction Nov. 6. The elegant event brought parents, acquaintances and faculty members together for the bidding, raising an excess of $200,000.
The Academy’s auction has come a long way from the school gymnasium. The event took place at the Troy Marriott Hotel, where the hallways were furnished with grand items.
‘The Troy Marriott is a beautiful hotel, with a superior staff,? said Kristi Heft Kitz, chairperson for the auction.
The auction is a parent-run operation. Eighty individuals were involved in the preparation and development of the big night. This is the largest fundraiser Everest sponsors and all earnings go toward the children’s education and interests of the school.
Volunteers working on the auction managed to take in many donations from local businesses, corporations, faculty members and parents. These gifts make the auction possible, while the hard work and dedication seal the day with perfection. The evening started at five o’clock with a champagne preview.
‘The preview is a chance to mingle with friends and meet new people,? said Kitz. ‘It is also a chance to preview auction items and it’s a lot of fun.?
There were fifteen premier super silent auction items, which allowed for viewing before the live auction began. These items are considered the best of the best, and members who came for the preview were able to observe and partake. A total of thirty live auction items were up for bid including trips to Acapulco and Cancun, a Chrysler Crossfire and 300C for a week. Even a personal chef for a week was up for bid.
Everest faculty has also donates items and their time.
‘Father Gomez comes into a familiy’s home, says a mass and then cooks traditional Spanish entrees for them,? said Michele Bates, co-chairperson for the auction.
Father Rivas and Father Nazzaro are also generous with their time, offering to take the kids cosmic bowling and golfing. These charitable acts make the night an absolute success.
When time came for the live auction, the hall quickly filled and people were becoming energized, waving their bidding paddles. The night ended with a live band, people dancing and a smile on every face.
Everest Academy and all who participated managed to bring family and friends together for a night of charity, commitment and spirit.
If this auction could be summarized with one word, what would it be?
‘Love,? said Kitz. ‘Because you have to believe in its mission, and if you did it with love it will carry the whole thing through.?