BHC pumpkin auction raises $6,250 for United Way

Male student talking in front of table with 3 pumpkinsThere are pumpkin auctions around the country this time of the year, but, on a per-pumpkin-basis, probably none can compare to the 15th Annual Stampede Auction of Champion Pumpkins at Black Hawk College East Campus.

On Oct. 16, auctioneer and East Campus alum Bill LeSage persuaded the audience of generous students, faculty, staff and friends to spend a grand total $6,250 on 11 pumpkins, all to benefit the Kewanee Area United Way.

Pumpkins were evaluated and “talked” by members of the Sophomore Livestock Judging Team. Other team members were bid spotters.

For the first time, the pumpkin auction was livestreamed worldwide from the East Campus Facebook page thanks to ag ambassadors and BHC recruiter Samantha Rux.

This year’s top bid was $2,000 from the BHC Livestock Judging Team.

Other winning bids were:

  • Transfer faculty and staff
  • CNN Livestock (Dan Hoge)
  • Community Education Center
  • Black Hawk College East Foundation Board
  • BHE Livestock Judging Alumni
  • Oklahoma State University Livestock Judging Team
  • Western Illinois University Livestock Judging Alumni

Pumpkins for the sale were donated by Natures Creations of Galva, Janel Smith and Phi Theta Kappa student honor society.