Regis’ gala auction: It’s the volunteers who make it happen

By Sharon Barnes

After 29 years, the annual Green and Gold Gala Auction continues to be Regis Catholic High School’s largest fundraising effort. While generous donors are the lifeblood of the auction, more than 200 hard-working volunteers are its heart.

Some are parents of Regis students. Others are parents whose children have long since graduated. Still others have never had a child at Regis.

When asked what motivates them, few have ready answers. The auction is not something they think about doing, it’s something they just do.

“The auction volunteers are truly awesome,” said Regis Principal Doug Ierardi. “I cannot imagine what October would be like without their herculean efforts.”

“People care so deeply and are so generous at heart,” said Gay Frank, Regis’s event coordinator.

“Watching them team together is just the best experience.”

Regis relies heavily on the auction, which grossed $283,000 last year. The money is used to defray operating costs, which in turn helps keep tuition affordable for students and their families.

“We’re very fortunate to have a Catholic high school right here in Stayton, to have a choice about where we send our kids to school,” said Tami Brentano, who did not have the option where she grew up. “I just want to do my part to keep tuition costs down so families can take advantage of it.”

“After all these years, the auction itself has become like a living, breathing creation,” said Connie Nielson. “So every time I even think about backing off, I feel a pang of regret, as if I’d be letting down a good friend.”

“The auction is a lot of work,” admits Mary Scott. “Every year I think that maybe I’m not going to do it again, that maybe I’m getting too old to be getting down on the floor or up on a ladder. But then, lo and behold, I get a call from some crafty decorations chairman and find myself saying ‘yes’ right away. I love working with these extraordinary people.”

Whether passionate veterans or enthusiastic newcomers, every volunteer finds a niche. And every niche gets filled, for which this year’s general chairpersons, John and Debbie Beitel, are very grateful.

In the days leading up to the auction, 23 committees will bring a year’s worth of preparation to bear on the Regis gymnasium, transforming it into an elegant dining room. Five hundred guests will see only the extraordinary decorations and artfully themed stage; the inviting dining tables; the array of delicacies; the sparkling long-stemmed glasses; and the car drawing tickets whirling ’round in their cage. And, of course, there is the auction itself. Hundreds of whimsical, practical, beautiful and entertaining gift items neatly catalogued and displayed to their best advantage. Items the volunteers hope will incite friendly but furious bidding wars for the benefit of the high school.

Before the evening has ended, before the clean-up committee has stacked the chairs, rolled up the tarps and cleared away festive debris, other committees will be laying the groundwork for next year’s auction. Because next year the need will be just as great. Because meeting the need is what they do.

As Regis High School is concerned, it is the volunteers who put the “gala” in the Green and Gold Gala Auction.