Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) celebrated another successful year of community support and fundraising at its annual benefit auction, Eat, Mingle & Give, held at Topgolf Centennial, April 7. More than 150 attendees gathered for a morning in support of MHA’s mission to provide a Christ-centered education.
This year was the school’s twenty-third event, making it one of the largest and longest-held fundraisers for the school. Families braved the unusual wind and chilly elements, showcasing their unwavering commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to attend MHA.
The doors opened at 9:30 a.m. with golf, brunch, and a silent auction featuring items generously donated by local community businesses, the MHA school board, and private donors. Items included an official Broncos helmet, Rockies tickets, various food items, gift baskets, a custom motorized Radio Flyer cart, gift cards, essential gardening tools, a signed Nikola Jokic picture, a signed Clayton Kershaw jersey, and much more.
The live auction never disappoints. Emceed for the fifth consecutive year by Chase Aalborg, and with lots of laughter, attendees eagerly bid on classroom auction items, with this year’s offerings exceeding expectations through the handmade items crafted by the individual classes. These unique items not only showcased the creativity and dedication of MHA’s students but also underscored the community’s commitment to supporting the school.
The event raised over $90,000, a remarkable demonstration of the generosity and dedication of the MHA community.
Reflecting on the auction, Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA’s vice principal of finance and development, remarked, “Eat, Mingle & Give stands not only as a testament to the generosity of the Mile High Academy community but also as a celebration of the bonds that unite us. This event served as a reminder of the collective strength and commitment shared among students, families, faculty, and supporters, all working together to ensure the success and growth of our school.”
Attendees also expressed their joy in gathering as a community. Brodie Philpott, MHA parent, alumnus, and current school board member, commented, “It was heartening to see everyone come together, despite the windy weather. The auction has evolved into a family-friendly event that speaks volumes about the sense of camaraderie and support that defines the MHA community.”
MHA is dedicated to its mission of providing a Christ-centered education. Therefore, when discussions arose regarding the creation of a fund to alleviate some of the financial stress on families paying tuition, the annual fund was established. The intention was to earmark these funds so that all students could attend MHA without financial limitations.
This year, the school’s fundraising goal is $250,000. While additional funding is still needed, it is through events like the annual auction that makes it possible for more than 40% of MHA’s students to attend the school.
One former financial aid student commented, “Because of the donations, I was able to stay at MHA with my friends.”
Aalborg continued to say, “Thank you to everyone who made Eat, Mingle & Give a success. Together, we are shaping futures and changing lives.”
—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.