BP Ed Auctions haul in $89K
Karen Fouarge, left, shares a laugh with Rod Krell, near right, after the two competed for a sweet treats tray at Saturday’s Education Foundation live auction. Fouarge’s winning bid was $275; all proceeds raised go to the Ed Foundation’s goal of enhancing the education of students in the Blooming Prairie School District. Staff photo by Kay Fate
If you spend nearly $4,000 on two large pizzas and 24 drinks for your party of eight, you’re either in New York City – or Blooming Prairie.
In a town accustomed to seeing a jar of cookies sell for $200, it’s not a bit unusual to see luxury prices for hometown services.
That was the case again this year at the 23rd Annual Education Foundation auctions, held last weekend at the BP Cue Company/Pizza Cellar.
The event raised more than $89,000 for the organization, which has a mission of enhancing the educational opportunities for the students of the Blooming Prairie School District. This year’s auction raised $2,000 more than last year.
More than $11,000 came through bids on the silent auction items; the 140-plus items on the live auction drew the rest.
That pricey pizza and drinks for eight people came with a front-row table at next year’s auction – no small prize during an event that regularly draws about 200 people.
The foundation’s annual budget is based solely on the proceeds of the auction.
Every year, the BP Ed Foundation invests nearly $20,000 specifically for educational field trips, averaging about $30 per elementary-age student to support hands-on learning outside the classroom.
It provides technology upgrades for the elementary and high schools; supplied iPads for students through sixth grade; purchased Vernier lab equipment for the science department; purchased supplies for STEM activities and interactive display boards for classrooms.
The group was instrumental in helping the district implement a SMART program and rooms for students in kindergarten through third grade. Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training uses specialized, fun activities to develop essential physical and cognitive skills.
The 2023 auction raised a record-breaking $95,500, crushing the nearly 10-year-old record by more than $12,000.
