The Ponoka Christian School raised a record $127,000 during its annual fundraising auction, held Saturday April 11 at the school.
Each year, the school brings the community together for a live and silent auction to raise money for the small school, and this year the funds will go to completing the sound system for the school’s gymnasium.
“There’s a set amount that goes back into the school’s budget. Anything above and beyond, we’re hoping to finalize the sound system,” explained the school’s principal, Bob Morris.
At Thanksgiving, a large donation was given to the school, which was used to bring in sound experts and purchase $12,000 in sound reducing baffling.
“Our sound system is terrible,” said Morris.
He added the money from the auction could also hopefully be used to get some Chromebooks for the students.
With only 100 students in the school, the auction is able to raise thousands of dollars each year. Committee chairperson Elaine Makking says it is the school’s key fundraiser for the year.
“I think it’s also just a good event; how it pulls the school community together. Being a Christian school, it’s a blessing, this day. It’s all these people working together but it’s by God’s hand, we all believe that,” said Makking.
The family-focused event included a bouncy castle and crafts for the younger students as well as 200 items in the live auction and approximately 100 items in the silent auction.