An annual tradition continued Saturday night in the Bradley Gym at St. Xavier School. Principal Shawn Augustine said the money all goes toward the school. “So anything that we need here at the school, even just ordinary operations of the school, anything that we need to do with repairs and continued improvements that’s what this all about tonight.” Augustine noted the auction typically raises close to $100,000.

One of the popular auction items was dinner with Father Kyle Berens.

Money was also raised to support lighting upgrades this summer in Buildings A and B, the facilities by the office and those running from the gym down to the preschool.

Numerous community members attend the auction. One of those was Theresa Gatza, who attends every year. “Kay, my sister-in-law always gets a table and invites family members, and it’s kind of a family affair that we do every year.”

City Manager Allen Dinkel noted he and his wife Paula are supporters of the school. He noted two of his daughters went to a parochial Catholic school in western Kansas and they want to give back. “I think it’s important because as city manager I see the need for having multiple education routes, and I think it’s great that we have a private school for those that want to use that route.”