Going once, going twice, sold for $17,319

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Thompson
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Yelling, tension and little paddles with numbers flying left and right.

Colonels running around the room with large baskets in their arms trying to do their job: to help sell items donated from local businesses, squadrons and individuals.

This was the scene at the Warren Spouse's Club fourth annual Dollars for Scholars basket auction Saturday in the Trail's End Club.

The goal was to sell 66 baskets, 18 desserts and 20 flower arrangements for a scholarship fund designed to give money back to military families and help them put their children or spouses through college.

"This year's Dollars for Scholars basket auction was a great success," said Terri Cresswell, WSC president. "On behalf of the WSC and our future scholarship recipients, I would like to thank the men and women of Warren and the Cheyenne community for their generous donations, participation and purchases that allowed us to raise $17,319."
There were more than 200 Warren and community members in attendance with checkbooks and money in hand.

The night began with a social hour, basket viewing and a silent auction when people could place their paddle number and dollar amount on a paper to bid for an item.

After dinner, Mrs. Cresswell announced the silent auction winners and the live auction began.

Two teams of runners competed for bragging rights to call themselves the biggest sellers of the night.

Col. Gary Pond, 90th Space Wing vice commander, and Col. Brian Hayes, 90th Medical Group commander, were the first team.

Col. David Martinez, 90th Security Forces Group commander, and Lt. Col. Vance Spath, 90th SW judge advocate, formed the second.

Colonel Martinez and Colonel Spath won by raising more than $8,700.

A few of the night's highlights included two 10-person Greek dinners donated by Irene Johnigan, selling for $2,150, and a German Black Forest cake made by Ingrid DeRouen that sold for $375.

The wing's leadership was in attendance and there was a sense of competition that could be seen between the commanders.

But no Airmen would be bullied this night, they were bidding for items and the money was going to a good cause. "I've never had so much fun spending money," said Col. Mike Morgan, 90th Space Wing commander. "It was a great night, and the WSC should be very proud of the difference they are making across our community."