Saint John’s Prep Middle School Students Raise $2,054 for Anna Marie’s Alliance

White Elephant Auction Teaches Students About Auction and Helps Families in Need

Saint John’s Prep students are supporting families in need this Christmas by raising over $2,000 for Anna Marie’s Alliance. With the help of Col. Frank Imholte of Black Diamond Auctioneers, the students took part in a “white elephant” auction to raise the funds.

Col. Frank Imholte donated his time to lead the bidding process and teach students about auctions. Each student donated at least one festive, wrapped gift that was used for bidding. Once they knew how to bid, Col. Imholte lead them through a spirited and competitive auction.

Students didn’t know what they were bidding on! All they could see was a wrapped gift or gift bag! Students opened the gifts to find everything from Christmas candy and art supplies to silly items like toilet paper and cat toys.

Middle school teacher Dan Stark assisted the auctioneer while middle school teachers Dixie Boschee, Maggie Magnuson and Robert Ellenbecker served as cashiers. Mr. Stark believes the middle school has hosted similar auctions for 20 years.

The proceeds are being used to fill the wish lists of three families at Anna Marie’s Alliance. Students went shopping with the wish lists to find presents and ensure the families have a Merry Christmas. Gifts on the Anna Marie’s wish list range from clothing and toiletries to toys, gift cards and electronics.

Anna Marie’s Alliance provides safety for women and children in abusive situations in the nine-county region of Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Mille Lacs, Isanti, Kanabec, Chisago and Pine Counties. For more information about Anna Marie’s Alliance go to www.annamaries.org.

Founded in 1857, Saint John’s Prep is a Catholic/Benedictine, co-ed, private day and boarding school, providing students of all faiths in grades 6-12, with a college-preparatory curriculum.  For more information, visit www.sjprep.net or call 320-363-3315.
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