Booster bash: Auction action returns to Stayton High School campus

By Mary Owen

The Stayton High School Eagle Boosters are planning the ultimate tailgate party to celebrate three decades of fundraising for SHS athletes and athletics.

The 30th annual Booster Club Auction has moved back to Stayton High School from Willamette Valley Vineyards, where it has taken place for the past several years.

“The auction’s history is that it has been held many years at the high school, and then the last five or six, it moved away,” said Dick Morley, secretary-treasurer for the Booster Club. “There was a lot of sent iment for it to be moved back to the high school.”

Club members hope more SHS supporters will come to the auction, moved from November to January to avoid conflicts with athletic schedules. This year’s Ultimate Tailgate Party auction is not only closer in proximity, but lower in cost.

“We want people to come and enjoy themselves,” said Kim Coates, an auction worker. “We hope more people will be able to come.”

Savings on the cost of the venue will be passed along to auction attendees, with tickets on sale beginning Jan. 4 at the high school and through various club members.

Cost is $20 per person and includes a chicken or steak dinner. The event will take place at Stayton High School, 757 W. Locust St., on Jan. 23. Doors open and a silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:15 p.m. and an oral auction at 7 p.m.

Angelique Jarman is enthusiastic about many of the items that will be up for bid at the auction, from 100 gallons of heating oil to five years of rock, a $50 certificate to Winco, a birthday party at Stayton Fire Station, family photo sittings, passes to local places of interest and even a tour and wine tasting for a party of 10.

“We have a very wide variety of things,” said Jarman, who is working on getting donations. “I’m excited!”

Proceeds from the event will support Stayton High School athletes and athletic programs. The Eagle Boosters have committed a $20,000 donation toward the Stayton High School track resurfacing project with the funds raised, Morley said.

“We’ll also give out, based on the last several years, about $8,000 worth of scholarships to graduating seniors,” he added. “We also help provide equipment, meal money for traveling athletes and participation fees during the year.”

Organizers hope to attract a lot of Stayton High alumni at the event, because of its theme, new venue and new time, Morley said.

“Come and renew old acquaintances and meet some new ones,” he invited.