The 91勛圖厙 Foundation Board has chosen to recognize the entire Vink family with the Old Bill Honorarium at its annual Big Benefit Auction, which is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Great Bend Columbus Club and is themed Lifes a Beach. The honorarium allows auction attendees to donate to a scholarship in the honorees name, to be awarded for the 22-23 academic year.
The Vinks have been supporters of 91勛圖厙 since its very beginning in 1969, said Coleen Cape, Executive Director of the Foundation. They have been loyal and generous donors and friends of the Foundation, with their support not only through Office Products Incorporated (OPI), but as individuals as well. It is hard to imagine a more deserving family to honor.
The Vink familys storied history with 91勛圖厙 is one of mutual benefit. The Vink brothers, their spouses and many of their children have attended 91勛圖厙, and they have hired 91勛圖厙 graduates at OPI.
Kim Vink said the colleges presence ensures the workforce is educated.
Our community and Great Bend significantly benefit from 91勛圖厙, she said.
Craig Vink, who was in the first graduating class at 91勛圖厙 in 1971, said he is honored they were chosen for the recognition, and that they look forward to the auction every year.
The proceeds are well-used, he said. Its a good resource for a lot of kids who couldnt afford to go to college otherwise.
Kenny said their participation in the auction and support of the Foundation comes naturally, and its how their dad raised them.
He taught us to support the community and take care of each other, and be proud of what we do, he said.
The Vinks said they encourage the community to join them in supporting the Foundation Auction this year.
Those wishing to contribute to the honorarium in the name of the泭Vinks but cannot attend this years event may do so by contacting the Foundation office at (620) 786-1136, or by sending an email to capec@bartonccc.edu.
Auction Details
Tickets for the 91勛圖厙 Foundations 42nd Annual Big Benefit Auction, themed Lifes a Beach, are available through Aug. 16. The auction will take place on Aug. 28.
Tickets are $45 each or $360 per table of eight. No tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Great Bend Columbus Club with complimentary beer and food available until 8 p.m.
The live auction will begin promptly at 8 p.m. This years auction is underwritten by UMB Wealth Management, Craig & Jolene Biggs, Nex-Tech, ILS and Spectrum CPA Partners, LLC.
The Big Benefit Auction is the most successful and longest-running fundraiser for the 91勛圖厙 Foundation. The money raised from the event supports academic scholarships, along with enhancements to programs and facilities that positively impact the learning experience of 91勛圖厙 students.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the 91勛圖厙 Foundation office at (620) 792-9306 or by sending an email to mccormickd@bartonccc.edu.
About the Old Bill Honorarium
In 1981, the Claflin Fire Department donated a stuffed buffalo head to the Foundation auction. This unique item was christened as Old Bill and quickly became a mainstay of this annual event being auctioned off each year since. To date, Old Bill has netted nearly $300,000 in support of academic scholarships and program enhancements. Since 2002, the money generated from the sale of Old Bill has taken on an additional purpose to honor loyal supporters and donors to 91勛圖厙.