14th Annual Festival of Wreaths a Success

The 14th Annual Festival of Wreaths, presented by Don Wessel Honda, took place Tuesday, November 15 at the Crowder College Elsie Plaster Community Center in Neosho and raised $125,000 for scholarships and student support.

Attendance topped 400 people including first-time attendees and those who have been supporters since the inaugural event in 2003. Festival of Wreaths is Crowder College Foundation’s single largest fundraising event.

A “Donate Now” opportunity during the auction yielded $23,000 with 23 individuals, families, and business owners donating $1,000 each. “We have a number of people each year who express an interest in making a cash donation at the event, but to see such spontaneous giving by 23 people was incredible. The community is so good to Crowder College and we are grateful,” stated Cindy Branscum, Director of Institutional Advancement.

501 Auctions provided online bidding for the silent auction. Buyers had the freedom to move about the venue during the event, participate in the live auction and enjoy live music while still attending to their silent auction bids. Patrons who were unable to attend the event participated via online bidding.

Hundreds of area businesses and patrons of the college donate merchandise for the auction annually. Bob Lasswell & Associates provided the live auction services.

Last Updated on November 18, 2016 by Steven Brunson