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August 1, 2016
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photo submitted
Each year the SWAG合集 Foundation Board chooses someone to honor with the 鈥淥ld Bill鈥 honorarium at its annual Big Benefit Auction. This year they have chosen Craig and Jolene Biggs.
In 1981, the Claflin Fire Department donated a stuffed buffalo head to the foundation auction. This unique item was christened as 鈥淥ld Bill鈥 and quickly became a mainstay of this annual event being auctioned off each year since.听 To date, Old Bill has netted over $210,000 in support of academic scholarships and program enhancements. Since 2002, the money generated from the sale of Old Bill has taken on an additional purpose 鈥 to honor loyal supporters and donors to SWAG合集.听
SWAG合集鈥檚 Coordinator of Fundraising and Special Events Coleen Cape said the couple truly embodies what it means to be supporters of SWAG合集.
鈥淚 have known Craig and Jolene for many years on both听a personal and professional level, and they are exemplary citizens,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey know and practice the theory of paying it forward.听The foundation is proud to honor them with the Old Bill Honorarium and hope by doing so we can show them how very much we appreciate their generosity.鈥
Jolene Biggs said supporting the foundation is important in helping those who need a little boost in their quest for a better life.
鈥淭he foundation plays a vital role for many students who might struggle to pay for higher education,鈥 she said. 鈥淚n order for the younger generation to succeed in the workforce today, higher education is needed whether it be in specialized skilled areas or earning your bachelor鈥檚 degree.听 The foundation helps many students financially to reach these goals.听 Our hope is that it builds tomorrow鈥檚 workforce with quality leaders for the future.鈥
Jolene and Craig both graduated from SWAG合集 so they understand its benefit firsthand.
鈥淪WAG合集 allowed us to do our undergraduate classes while living at home and working,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he college serves as a springboard for those working towards their bachelor鈥檚 degree and also fosters skilled workers.听 This higher education can be seen in our young people in the community every day.听 In order for the community to be strong, we need the skill sets of these higher educated leaders.听 The college also provides many options for updating skills, learning new skills and taking classes just for fun as we age.鈥
Cape said the Biggs鈥 have been very active supporters of the college in a variety of different ways.
鈥淐raig and Jolene established their own academic endowment several years ago, as well as managing several others,鈥 she said. 鈥淚n addition, they have loyally supported the auction and a variety of foundation initiatives over the years. In 2013, they agreed to serve as Co-chairs of our Annual Enrichment Fund Campaign and because of their strong leadership the campaign was a rousing success and far exceeded its goal.鈥
Auction items range from a 50-inch big-screen TV, weekend getaway trips, a washer and dryer set, Traeger grill and more.
Auction details
Tickets for the auction, themed听鈥淎 Political Party,鈥澨齛re still available through Aug. 15.听 No tickets at the door.
They can be purchased for $35 each or $280 per table of eight by calling the Foundation office at (620) 786-1136, or by sending an email to capec@bartonccc.edu听. No tickets at the door.
The auction is the Foundation鈥檚 main fundraiser for academic scholarships and program enhancements. The event is set for 6 p.m. August 27 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, and the live auction starts at 8 p.m.