Auction a heavenly success

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Organizers of St. Ignatius Catholic School’s Pennies From Heaven Auction are over–the–top with the success of last Saturday’s gala fundraiser.

The event brought in more than $70,000, and coordinators estimate at least $50,000 will go to support the school once expenses are covered.

The one–of–a–kind gala affair held many surprises throughout the evening. Hundreds of guests were delighted by the silent auction deals, tasty appetizers and three–course meal from Full of Beans Café, the bidding frenzies and all the live auction surprises.

Tom Lasley, business manager for the school and one of the coordinators, was very pleased with his first St. Ignatius auction.

“It was a mad dash these past two weeks to reach the finish line, but the fantastic success of the event made all the hard work worthwhile,” he said.

“The event would not have been possible without the hundreds of supporters of the event, including staff, parents, parishioners and the Cayman community. I am grateful to all those who have helped support the school.”

Major supporters included Jacques Scott and Island Companies.

One of the surprising highlights of the event was the significant bidding activity for a live goat donated from Look Out Farms in Bodden Town. The crowd was impressed that the goat, estimated to be worth approximately $150, eventually sold to the winning bidder for more than $500.

Father Mike Molner, who has supported and attended every auction held by St. Ignatius since arriving in Cayman many years ago, kept up with tradition.

“This event has reached symbolic status for me,” he said. “While it was originally introduced years ago to raise funds, it has grown into a traditional and fun community affair, and I was glad to see that once again the coordinators achieved the goal of keeping the event fun.”