CCS Annual Auction opens doors: Community comes together for a good cause

Need to know

What: CCS Annual Auction

When: Online auction March 3-10; live auction March 11 at 3970 Kidron Road. Breakfast begins 7:30 a.m. March 11 at CCS cafeteria; live auction begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 12 p.m. Silent auction items available.

Why: Tradition, community, fundraiser

More info: Visit www.ccscomets.org/support/annualauction.cfm.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Visit www.ccscomets.org/support/annualauction.cfm for a list of auction items and more information about the 2023 auction.

KIDRON  One of the biggest events every year at Central Christian School is its annual auction. Not only is this a great fundraising opportunity for the school, but it has turned into an event that people mark on their calendars because they don’t want to miss out on the fun.

At least 500 people are expected at this year’s auction March 11. Community members, businesses, alumni and others gather for a good cause and also to catch up with one another.

“We live in a community that loves auctions,” said Superintendent Nathan Holton, who was hired this school year to serve in the position and previously served as director of operations. “It’s more than just an auction. It’s a big event for us to get all of our supporters together. Students and teachers, alumni, community members and more come in.”

Thanks to support from the community and businesses and past students, and fundraisers such as the annual auction, money is raised to help students attend Central Christian and to support its many programs and offerings. No student at Central pays the full cost of tuition, Holton said.

The annual auction supports the Fair Balance Fund, which allows each family to pay a variable rate of tuition based on their own income and resources. The auction is Central’s largest fundraiser and is an important part of the school budget.

There’s still time to donate something to the auction or sponsor the auction. Also, mark your calendar for the online or in-person event.

New this year, a kids only auction is available, which has a shorter auction time and allows children to bid on items with help from an adult that may be interesting for them or their families.

An important CCS tradition is their special project. Each year, there is one auction item that supports a specific project or item for the school. Previous special projects include the new bleachers for Gym 2, new water fountains for the school, and classroom furniture. This year the Special Project will raise funds for two new or used large passenger vans. These vehicles will help with transportation for Mini-term, athletic events, field trips, Community Service Day, and more.

Also this year, they have been more intentional with talking to local businesses and they have added sponsorship opportunities because the auction is a great way for local businesses to advertise themselves.

The morning begins with breakfast put on by the girls and boys basketball teams, which also helps to support the teams.

“It’s fun to see generations that want to make sure students can get a Central Christian education,” he said. “Third and fourth generations of families that are sending their children to Central. We couldn’t do it without our supporters and our alumni who continue to send us kids and be generous and donate items and purchase items.”

The auction will feature a variety of items in many price ranges such as homemade candies, baked goods, tools, appliances, Cleveland Browns tickets, Ohio State University football tickets, a Colorado cabin vacation, and more. The auction will also include an all new Ventrac 4520P tractor with a MS600, 60” finish mower.

The Central Christian auction has some of the most unique items one would find at any auction. Holton said student-athletes may donate time to coach or a student may offer private lessons for a musical instrument.

“That’s been going on here for a long time,” Holton said. “I can’t get over how that just happens.”

He mentioned the botany class meets second semester and they tap trees on the campus and while they’re learning they collect maple syrup and traditionally donate maple syrup to the auction.

“Our school is blessed by the generous and expert auction services of 1999 CCS alumni Joseph Mast and RES Auction Services. Joseph and his team create a high-energy, fun auction atmosphere that encourages broad participation and engagement,” Terry Shue, CCS Development Director, said in a news release.

To donate an item or service, become a sponsor, or for more information, please call 330-857-7311. Visit the website and social media for updates and a list of auction items.

To learn more about Central Christian School visit ccscomets.org. CCS is an accredited kindergarten to Grade 12 school in Kidron, committed to Anabaptist faith and practice and operating under a Corporation of Affiliated Congregations. CCS is committed to providing an excellent educational experience that nurtures the whole person, while inviting students to follow Jesus within a caring community.

Central Christian School recently completed the first phase of their “Forward in Faith” campaign, which included a complete remodel of the Middle School, administrative offices, school entrance, a new parking lot, and HVAC and telecommunications upgrades. CCS began site work for updated stormwater drainage and retention in December 2022. The school continues moving into the next Forward in Faith campaign to renovate the cafeteria, kitchen, concessions and caterer’s kitchen as well as an eye to expand the elementary school to the east. Student enrollment continues to grow, with CCS welcoming 60 new students representing 30 new families for the 2022-2023 school year.