Northern Alumni Auction tonight

Havre Daily News staff

People have a chance tonight at Montana State University-Northern to have some fun, bid on items, have a full meal and at the same time help some students go to college.

Northern Alumni Foundation Executive Director Jim Bennett said the foundation’s annual Alumni Auction starts Friday at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom at Northern, and will raise money to provide both academic and athletic scholarships.

“It’s kind of a difference-maker for some students between staying in school and not getting an education,” Bennett said, adding that it also is a chance to have a good time.

“It’s a fun night,” he said.

The event will feature an all-you-can-eat dinner, a cash bar, door prizes, games, a silent auction, a live auction and the main event at the annual fundraiser — the Chinese auction.

In that event, a timer is started for each item auctioned. Northern athletes carrying numbered paddles watch for people who want to bid on the item. If someone gives them a dollar, the volunteer holds up the paddle until the number is called by the auctioneer.

If someone’s number is called, they have to put in another dollar to have the paddle raised again.

The last number called before the timer goes off wins the item — meaning someone could win an expensive item for $1.

Bennett said the auction this year has a selection of good items, including a prime rib dinner and whiskey tasting event for six people; an Asian dinner for 12 served in The 305 Building; a pellet smoker barbecue; a tailgate package including a cooler, barbecue and a spot at Northern football games; a cruise on Fresno Reservoir next summer with food, drinks and live entertainment; and a competition bidding duo of prizes — a Montana State University Bobcat package and a University of Montana Grizzly package. Whichever of those packages is bid higher, the purchaser also receives two tickets to the Cat-Griz football game.

Bennett said the support for the event is always tremendous.

“We’re always really appreciative of all the businesses and individuals who support this event, and the volunteers who work at it,” he said.

Tickets are $30 each and available at the door or by calling 265-3711.