By MHA News – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … “We were blessed to be able to hold the annual auction event, and it was exciting to be a part of something so “normal,” remarked Brodie Philpott, Mile High Academy (MHA) board chair and parent, on the yearly Eat, Mingle & Give fundraiser
On Sunday, April 11, some 70 MHA community members and friends converged at Topgolf Centennial for the school’s 20th annual benefit auction.
For the second year, parent Chase Aalborg emceed the live auction portion, which included handmade items by students and classes. The school provided a virtual attendance option, which allowed several families to “attend” the live auction and bid on items via Zoom. Participants were greeted by Andrew Carpenter, MHA’s incoming principal, who shared a laugh with alumnus and former Mustang basketball player Matt Gal. The auction resulted in donations totaling more than $55,000 towards the school’s annual fund.
The afternoon at Topgolf kicked off with ten bays filled with attendees enjoying more than two hours of unlimited golf while others viewed the silent auction items and fellowshipped together. The crowd also enjoyed a dinner which included TopGolf’s famous donuts.
CRUMBL Cookies, who recently opened a franchise a few blocks from MHA, donated a four-pack of cookies and CRUMBL swag to the event. “Here at CRUMBL [Cookies] we strive to serve our community. It’s just what we do and how we give back,” said store manager Debbie Christensen.
Attendees were glad to experience a normal event again. “It’s been so long since we could eat or mingle together that I gave a little extra just out of thankfulness – shh, don’t tell my wife!
COVID has made socializing a little more difficult, but it was nice to spend time with other parents in my daughter’s class, and get to know them better. And, of course, it is great being able to support such a worthy cause–ensuring every child who wants an Adventist education can attend MHA, regardless of cost,” Philpott said.
Students also enjoyed the evening. “I had so much fun,” said Tessa, MHA sophomore. “It was really exciting to see people competing. I love when people are still bidding to the last minute. My favorite part was spending time with my family and golfing. And the food was delicious.”
The event was made possible through donations from businesses, organizations, and through contributions from the MHA community. Donated items included overnight stays at Great Wolf Lodge and Durango’s famous Strater Hotel, family entertainment venues, golfing packages to several area country clubs, gift certificates to various restaurants, and homemade treats.
The 2021 event sponsors included AdventHealth University, Highlands Ranch Smiles, Out of Breath Sports, and the Rocky Mountain Conference.
“Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, supported and donated to the auction,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, vice principal of finance and development. “We continue to be humbled by the doors God opens for our school. It was through answered prayer that He allowed our school and community to be able to come together during this unique time for an evening of fun and laughter while supporting our school.”
–MHA News; photos supplied
