The 19th annual Student Loan Fund Auction, hosted by Community Senate to raise money for loans to students attending Guilford, takes place Friday night at 6:30 in Bryan Auditorium.Among the items up for auction this year: tickets to the Carolina Panthers, a $50 gift certificate to Edward McKay’s Used Books, and a dining room set donated by a Guilford alum.
This is the second year that the auction will include a repertoire of items for student- bidding only. Included in the items for this category is a pass that students can use to eliminate one campus parking ticket.
“This is our hot item,” said Jesse Melamed, coordinator of this year’s auction. Melamed explained that students who have multiple tickets could apply the pass to their most expensive one.
Melamed hopes that the student-only items will help entice students to attend the auction. “My goal is to get people to the auction, get them bidding on student items, and hopefully they will stay and look at other things,” she said.
Although it is held in the spring, the Student Loan Fund Auction is an ongoing project of Community Senate requiring months of preparation and the soliciting of donations from area businesses.
“Every year we hold our breath hoping that the auction will come off well,” said Vance Ricks, former Senate president and current assistant professor of philosophy.
Anthony Gurley, associate dean of enrollment, is pleased with the support from students and donors alike.
“It is through the enormous generosity of the donors, student workers, and staff associated with this auction process that these funds have been provided,” Gurley said.
Proceeds from the Student Loan Fund Auction will go to an independent Guilford loan fund that helps students attend the college. In the current year, 42 students are benefiting from the program with an average loan of $3,750.
The auction began in 1983 under the leadership of then-Community Senate President Roger Pettingell in response to cuts in federal funding for student loans.
“The auction got some publicity for students helping themselves with college scholarships, and Roger got a commendation letter from [President] Ronald Reagan,” said Bill Stevens, associate professor of business management.
This year marks the second in a row that the auction will be held in Bryan Auditorium. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided.
Items up for grabs in this year’s auction include:
* Weekend Getaway and equipment rental from Blue Ridge Mountain Sports
* Dinner for 2 at Cafe Europe
* 4 tickets to Chimney Rock Park
* Oil paint set
* $50 gift certificate to Edward McKay’s Used Books
* Symphony Tickets
* Greensboro Bats Tickets
* Jewelry and bags from Sisters
* Carolina Panther Tickets
* $25 gift certificate to Red Oak Brewery
* Art party for 4 at Pottery Bayou
* Microwave
* Pottery
* 10 Quizno’s gift certificates
* Krispy Kreme gift certificates