Every year around St. Patrick’s Day people start seeing green. But the students involved in the Campus Ministry service trips have a reason more than just dressing up in the crazy Irish themed outfits.
The St. Pat’s auction is the main means of fund raising for students going on service trips throughout the academic year. The students going on service trips go out to the faculty, staff and the community to ask for donations that could be auctioned off on St. Pat’s day. Local businesses in this area are are kept in touch through e-mails, phone calls, and visits from these students for donations. The solicitation factor is the most important element in this equation. The students then follow up with these businesses during the month of March. The amount of donations received fully affects the success of the auction and thus the success of the service trips.
The St. Pat’s Auction was around long before Campus Ministry came into view at Loras. Campus ministry’s approach to tying the auction with the service component has made this event popular and successful in the past. The auction creates an environment where one can find entertainment, service, and culture play all at one place. Everyone seems to have a good time while recognizing the tradition of St. Patrick and to raise money to serve the needy.
The materials at auction are always the matters of interest. This year, the auction items range from a pack of cookies to electric guitar with amp to lunch with the president. There are an array of items being auctioned off such as guitars, drums, plates, dressers, futon covers and throw pillows, time with coaches and athletes, dinner with President Collins, paintball session with the Koinania House girls, golf clubs, snuggies, pans of brownies and much more. Raffle is also a part of the event. This year the St. Pat’s Auction is raffling off a Wii, Wii Fit Plus, Wii sports game, and an extra controller. It is an all or nothing raffle which means that it’s all inclusive and one need not worry if they don’t have a Wii for the games .These items were all generously donated by Father Douglas Wathier, a faculty member at Loras.
So, come and check out to buy things of your need and help the students raise money serve to the communities during their service trips. The event will be held this Friday at 6 p.m. with registration starting at 5:30 p.m. There will be grilled cheese sandwiches as well as cheese pizza to accommodate the Lenten spirit of those attending. Besides, green milkshakes and games will keep the green spirit alive for children. You might as well get to see a few of your professors in real world settings outside of class. Pat Sperfslage will continue his reign as auctioneer, and if you’ve never heard this guy go you should come just for that. Support this cause while being entertained. Happy St. Patrick’s!
