Story by Lindsey Bogner
Photo by Maggie Harris
The Barton Community College Foundation Board has chosen to recognize Larry and Jan Westfall with the “Old Bill Honorarium” at its 44th Annual Big Benefit Auction, which is set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Great Bend Events Center and is themed “Casino Royale.” The Honorarium allows auction attendees to donate to a scholarship in the honoree’s name to be awarded for the 24-25 academic year.
Jan has had a love of Barton since attending to get her associate’s degree.
“Barton has a special place in my heart because of the experiences I had there,” Jan said. “I will never forget the way I felt supported at Barton and I know that’s just what Barton does and how they operate, they care.”
Larry cares for the students and their future, as individuals, and in our communities.
“It’s all about paying it forward. If we can help one student, it’s worthwhile,” Larry said. “And the economic impact on Great Bend and the surrounding communities is essential. It's affordable to students and helps them on their path in the workforce.”
Lindsey Bogner, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, said the Foundation was excited to honor the Westfalls for their years of positive influence and involvement with the college.
“Jan has been such an influential piece of the Foundation, serving on our board multiple times. She is always a leader in action through all of the events and campaigns, and Larry has been there every step of the way, supporting our initiatives,” said Bogner. “It is such an honor to recognize both of them for all of their years of dedication to our cause.”
Jan has been involved for many years, but her driving reason today is the quality of leadership across Barton’s many campuses.
“Barton has always been innovative – ahead of the curve. We’ve been on the forefront of educational excellence with online, with vocational technology, with programs that cater to the Barton student whoever and wherever they are. That’s a testament to the forward-thinking leadership and the dedication to quality and accessibility, no matter a student’s educational goals.”
Those wishing to contribute to the honorarium in the name of the Westfalls but cannot attend this year’s event may do so by contacting the Foundation office at (620) 792-9306, or by sending an email to [email protected].
Auction Details
Tickets for the Barton Foundation’s 44th Annual Big Benefit Auction, themed “Casino Royale,” are available through Aug. 13. The auction will take place on Aug. 26.
Tickets are $50 each or $400 per table of eight. No tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center with complimentary beer and food available until 8 p.m.
The live auction will begin at 8 p.m. This year’s auction is underwritten by UMB Wealth Management, Craig & Jolene Biggs, Nex-Tech, Spectrum CPA Partners, LLC, and Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting.
The Big Benefit Auction is the most successful and longest-running fundraiser for the Barton Foundation. The money raised from the event supports academic scholarships, along with enhancements to programs and facilities that positively impact the learning experience of Barton students.
Tickets can be purchased and a select auction preview can be viewed online, or tickets can be reserved by calling the Barton Foundation office at (620) 792-9306 or sending an email to [email protected].
About the Old Bill Honorarium
In 1981, the Claflin Fire Department donated a stuffed buffalo head to the Foundation auction. This unique item was christened as “Old Bill” and quickly became a mainstay of this annual event being auctioned off each year since. To date, Old Bill has netted nearly $175,000 in support of academic scholarships. Since 2002, the money generated from the sale of Old Bill has taken on an additional purpose – to honor loyal supporters and donors to Barton Community College Foundation.