One of two major annual fundraisers for the Cornerstone Christian Academy in Kingman saw more attention than usual.
The Spring Supper and Auction on Mar. 9 attracted 200 people to the little village, which principal Alan Welde said was more than they expected.
“We have 200 people attending, slightly more than we expected,” he said, smiling. “We’re really happy to have this many supporters come out for the school.”
The evening began with a lasagna dinner, moving into an enthusiastic live auction, led by auctioneer Eddie Schultz from Hay Lakes, of 38 different items including a four-tier greenhouse, an overnight stay for two at Obsidian Ridge, and two bags of Hi-Bred Canola Seed.
Silent auction tables also lined the walls containing more than 140 different items ranging from paintings to jewelry and beautifully knitted blankets.
“It’s about the same (amount of donations) as last year, I think we have a greater variety of baked goods. We get a lot (of support) from the businesses in town, tools and equipment and a lot of toy sets. (Everyone) has been very generous with their donations,” he said.
Welde said the fundraisers usually cover about 10 percent of the school’s nearly $1 million annual budget with another 70 percent covered by government grants. The remaining 20 percent is funded by private donation and student tuition.
Welde said that now the school is also receiving 70 percent of their transportation expenses funded with a government grant which is helpful.
“We’re in a better situation now with receiving a transportation grant, but we still have mortgage expenses, maintenance and facility maintenance,” he said.
Welde added that enrollment numbers were also up this year.
“We started the year with 113, and now we’re at 122. We’re very thankful for that,” he said.
“Previous years, we’re usually 110 to 115 students, so that’s a significant increase.”
According to their website, Cornerstone Christian Academy is a private school offering an Evangelical Christian program education for students in grades k-12.
Jana Semeniuk
Staff Reporter
