Dinner and Auction continue to chart successful path for BK's future

By Stephanie Scheibe

Elegant gowns and tailored suits found their way to the Boise Centre Nov. 7 for the Bishop Kelly Foundation's 33rd annual Winner's Choice Dinner Auction. Here on a crisp autumn evening the ballroom décor fancied itself with colorful autumn centerpieces accompanied by Black and Yellow colored balloons, signifying the strong BK faith that brought each supportive individual for one common purpose.

ABOVE, BK Foundation President Debbie McDonald (far left) presents Order of the Knight awards to, from left, Mike and Kathy Hagler, and Linda, Hillary, Adam and Tom Dixon. The Order of the Knight honors those who have provided exceptional service in support of BK's mission in education.

The Bishop Kelly Foundation, founded in 1975 has relied on this Auction for the last 33 years to support the school's success. During the 70s when BK was financially struggling, Father Wilson, the principal of Bishop Kelly at the time, felt that something had to be done. While other Catholic Schools around the state were being shut down because of a lack of financial vigor, receiving the bulk of their money from tuition alone, Father Wilson decided to counter the problem by creating an entity dedicated entirely to raising financial means to support the school.

A Foundation once run and supported by a small group of friends has grown and thrived to meet the needs of Idaho's only remaining Catholic high school. From large companies to individuals, people came from all corners of the valley to support the auction and donate both their time and money so the future of Bishop Kelly can continue to give the admirable education to high school students.

With 445 people attending the actual auction, and many others bidding in the Foundation's online Auction, the support was overwhelming. The reason for this outpouring of support, Rita Franklin, executive director of the Bishop Kelly Foundation explains "is the belief that BK students do well and that they give back to their communities."

Overall the Auction was a great success. The amount raised has yet to be announced but will assuredly support Bishop Kelly in its legacy of great Catholic education.