MHCC Foundation to hold annual fundraising auction

By Nick Ngo

On April 1, a lucky person will win a 2006 convertible Pontiac Solstice from Mt. Hood Community College Foundation, and no, this is not an April Fools joke.
The MHCC Foundation is holding its annual auction and dinner on April 1 at 5 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center.

The purpose of the auction is to raise money to offer scholarships to students. The money raised through the auction is primarily used to fund general student scholarships, but also a high school scholarship for all of the district high schools and some part time scholarships. Any student can apply for the scholarships offered.
Last year’s auction theme was “Auction of the Century,” a happy birthday theme commemorating Gresham’s 100 birthday. This year’s theme is “Kick Up Your Heels,” a country hoedown.

“It’s all a combination of committee input and what they wanted to do,” Foundation Coordinator Sunny Klever said. “They wanted to have dancing this year, so we went with the country western theme.”
The committee is made up of 12 members who are volunteers from the community; some are Foundation Board members, others just want to help with the auction. According to Klever, the committee usually starts planning eight months prior to the date of the event.
The auctioneer is Leroy Hedberg; Klever says he’s been the auctioneer for previous auctions.

“He’s done our auction for several years,” Klever said. “He’s very interested in community fundraising events, that’s his specialty.”
Klever says that there are usually 350 to 400 people that attend the auction. This year, they have 300 items donated from various people.
“All our items are donated by community members, businesses, staff people – many staff people have donated items,” Klever said. “Many staff members usually attend and community members attend.”

These items include things like trips to the beach, trips to Mexico, baskets, custom art pieces, golf bags, golf clubs, golfing trips and take your friends and ride in the dragon boat races. Plus, the Pontiac Solstice is given to the winner of the raffle drawing. Raffle tickets cost $20.

They were able to raise $95,000 at last year’s auction. This year, they are hoping to raise over $100,000.
“It has been a very successful fund raiser for the foundation,” Klever said.
Reservations costs $75 per person. For more information contact the MHCC Foundation at 503-491-1206.