Goal to raise $1,800

MOSES LAKE - The Students Supporting Students Club at Big Bend Community College is sponsoring a silent auction Thursday.

The auction is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the ATEC building's Peterson Gallery.

"Our mark that we made last year was $1,300," said Student Support Services Tutorial Program Coordinator Custodio Valencia. "Our goal this year is $1,800."

Of money raised, 80 percent is divided evenly between two scholarships through Student Support Services and 20 percent goes toward club funds.

Valencia said the scholarships help with retention rates, as some of the students served by the center have an unmet financial need and students had challenges in the past staying in school.

Eligible students include those whose parents did not earn a four-year degree, students who are financially disadvantaged, and students with a documented physical or learning disability.

More than 70 items are being auctioned, he said.

"None of these items were ever bought," Valencia said. "They are all donated."

Some items include a handheld band saw from Rent-A-Center, an office chair from Staples, gym memberships from 123 Fit, a centerpiece from Furniture West, 1,000 square feet of turf from Blue Heron Turf, a party package for 10 bowlers from Lake Bowl, a week of boarding from Animal Crackers Clipper Kennel, a full-body massage from Bodyworks Therapeutic Massage, and a gift certificate for services from Sun Country RV.

Other businesses, including restaurants, donated items. Staff at the college also donated items for the auction, said Student Support Services Director Jerry Workman.

"There's scrapbooking kits. There's all kinds of stuff," Workman said. "There's picture frames. There's jewelry boxes. They haven't even been out of the package yet."