Live auction items at Party on the Plaza

The Newman University Party on the Plaza scholarship fundraiser is just a little over a week away – Saturday, Sept. 26. One of the highlights of the evening is the live auction. Every year this event brings new auction items provided by many donors. This year is no exception. How would you like to have a signed photo of Pope Francis? Maybe you’ve been thinking of throwing a party at the Blue Sky Ranch? Here’s your chance!

Below is a list of just some of the live auction items at the 2015 Party on the Plaza:

1) Apple Watch Sport

Notifications. Siri. Activity. Apple Pay. Facebook. Time. Temperature…and so much more right on your wrist! Includes: Apple Watch, watch band, Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, and USB Power Adapter, Wi-Fi Bluetooth, and NFC. Requires iPhone 5 or later with latest version of iOS 8 or later. Also includes Watch Stand Charging Dock and HD Clarity Screen Invisible Shield.

Donated by Chris Winslow of Data Storage Solutions.

Value: $600

2) Michael Potts Canvas Paintings (2)

Mike travels the country offering unique experiences as a live performance painter, using his artistic gift to raise money for various charities and in the process provide audiences a glimpse at some of the basic principles artists use. Live paintings created night of event! Painting #1 – TBD; Painting #2 – Father Emil Kapaun, Servant of God (2015-16 is The Year of Father Kapaun, celebrating his life and legacy in the Wichita Diocese and beyond.)

Donated by Michael Potts.

Value: $3,500

3) Green Mountain Grill and Smoker

The Jim Bowie model comes with a digital control, a meat probe, a peaked lid for stand-up chicken/ large fowl/ rib racks, a convenience tray with utensil hooks and hard rubber tires. Also included is Sense-Mate, a thermal sensor which constantly monitors the ambient temperature. When it gets cold outside, it kicks the grill into Turbo mode so you don’t have to wait long for the grill to heat up! You’ll also get a venturi-style firebox for cyclone combustion, front casters, a positive pressure hopper fan to prevent burn-back, a dome thermometer and “fan only” mode with automatic grill shut-off to blow ash out of the firebox after you finish grilling. Donated by Nathan and Nick Blasi of Marine World.

Value: $1,000

4) Private Party in the Alumni Center for 50!

The Tarcisia Roths Alumni Center is a perfect space to entertain your family, friends or colleagues. You can be the host of a Watch Party viewing your favorite team on our brand new 75″ smart TV! Or use this spacious room to host a Christmas party or any special occasion! There is a 12′ bar, cozy fireplace, piano, and outdoor patio with extra seating overlooking the Newman campus. Includes $500 catering by Great Western Dining, wine, beer and mixers. Donated by the Alumni Association and Great Western Dining.

Value: $1,300

5) $5,000 Billboard Advertising

Your business or event can get the attention it deserves with this rare opportunity to promote it through Rusty Eck Billboards throughout the Wichita area. Included are the following locations and frequency:

Billboard K-96 and Broadway (4 weeks frequency – 64 seconds – 1,350 ads per day) = $2,885
Billboard West Kellogg (4 weeks frequency – 3.2 minutes – 450 ads per day) = $995
Billboard East Kellogg, (4 weeks frequency – 3.2 minutes – 450 ads per day) = $900
2 hours design time and set up fees = $220

Donated by Rusty Eck Ford, Les and Pam Eck.

Value: $5,000

6) Autographed Photo of Pope Francis (Excluded from Golden Ticket selections)

Authentic AUTOGRAPHED Photo of Pope Francis. (19.5″ x 15.5″) With the highest bid, you can own this exquisite and rare photo of Pope Francis, signed by the Pope himself and sent to us by Vittoria Tomarelli, ASC, former General Superior of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ and Honorary Alumna. Pope Francis has been noted for his humility, empathy and devotion to the economically disenfranchised.

Donated by Pope Francis, Frederico Lombardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office. Framing donated by The Frame Shop, Wichita.

Value: PRICELESS

7) Italian Dinner with Dr. Carrocci

Momma Mia! Dinner for six (6) with Newman’s President and husband, Bob Benson. Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner in their home. Having learned her Italian mother’s culinary skills, Dr. Carrocci will be the chef and hostess for the evening. Selected fine Italian wines included.

Donated by Dr. Noreen Carrocci and Bob Benson.

Value: Priceless!

8) Hustler Riding Lawnmower

Lawn work can be fun with this awesome riding lawn mower! Hustler’s all new Raptor is designed to the highest of standards and is poised to lead the zero-turn market in the entry level category, delivering the best-in-class overall value versus the competition. The Raptor is built with the same great quality Hustler has been committed to for fifty years and is backed by Hustler’s industry leading three-year warranty and unmatched customer care. Donated by Hustler Inc. and Marine World.

Value: $3,300

9) Blue Sky Ranch Private Get-away Fall Harvest Party for 10-15

Enjoy this exclusive opportunity to host your very own private party at the beautiful Blue Sky Ranch just south of Wichita. This private facility includes an indoor and outdoor horse arena, seven-acre fully stocked pond, shaded camping area, sandy beach, a rider’s lounge, secure tack rooms, 40 acres of perimeter riding with interior pasture and beach riding. You and your guests are welcome to fish, ride horses, finger paint the horses and decorate them for fall, enjoy a BBQ, bonfire and S‘mores, and join together for a fun hayrack ride through the beautiful pastures. Horse riding lessons available for the timid! This day at the Ranch includes fishing poles and bait, BBQ, snacks, and beverages, excluding adult beverages.

Donated by Tammy (McCormick) ’10 ’12 and Paul White.

Value: $1,000

10) Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) College Basketball Tournament, Washington D.C., March 8-12, 2016

You will receive two (2) tickets to all seven (7) ACC tournament games at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. You won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity to see these teams in action: Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Pitt, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest. Included is FIVE NIGHTS at the DUPONT HOTEL, right in the heart of America’s most powerful city!

Donated by Tom Giroux ’85.

Value: $7,500!

11) 5′ Palm Tree Floor Lamp (Indoor or Outdoor)

Bring a piece of paradise to your home! Created by local artist Wendell Turner and 100 percent hand made by Designer Palms Inc. in Andover, Kan. Made out of galvanized steel, which means you can leave it inside or out, year-round. Comes equipped with 2 coconut lights, which are made out of fiberglass resin, low voltage lighting with a 20 watt halogen bulb in each coconut, along with a wireless remote for inside applications.

Donated by Designer Palms Inc.

Value: $1,700

12) Fund A Need – Student Scholarships

For those of you who don’t want to take an item home but want to help support Newman students… this is your opportunity to be a valued part of our live auction! Thank you for your enthusiastic support!

Donated by YOU!

Value: PRICELESS