Online bidding open for St. Bede annual auction

St. Bede’s Academy 38th Annual Auction is days away. Its premier fundraising event with presenting sponsor The J.A. Happ Family Foundation gives anyone the option to support the event through online bidding.

Starting Thursday, June 10, those who register can bid on over 50 packages. Bidders may also choose to purchase packages using the ‘”Buy It Now” feature. Anyone can participate in the virtual auction through online and mobile bidding. A link to self-enroll for the auction and to online or mobile bid can be found on the school’s website homepage at www.st-bede.com.

Those that wish to bid on live auction items may submit a proxy bid form on their website at www.st-bede.com which must be received by noon Friday, June 18.

“Our virtual platform gives you the ability to bid from anywhere in the world and support St Bede at the same time,” said Bonnie Prokup, Manager of Auction of Special Events. “The community’s generosity, participation and competitive bidding is encouraged throughout the auction.”

New this year, St. Bede recently rolled out a 2021 Jayco Redhawk SE 27N Class C Motorhome for the auction. Provided by Fourwinds RV in East Peoria, this luxury recreational vehicle was ordered especially for the St. Bede auction and is being displayed on the campus. The motorhome is available for bidding or to “Buy-it-Now” through the virtual event platform until the end of the auction on June 19. Visit https://bede2021.ggo.bid/ to sign-up for mobile bidding.

St. Bede will also hold an open house at the Perino Science Center from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17, and Friday, June 18. The public will have the opportunity to take a tour through the motorhome, registering, view auctions items, make bids, and purchase tickets for the Bedan Bonanza and Golden Ticket.

The fund-a-need for this year’s auction will be for the much-needed repairs and renovations to the skylights in the Abbey Church.

“Over the years, leaks have caused water damage in the church and various areas throughout this multi-purpose building,” said Abbot Philip Davey, OSB. “There is a critical need to repair all the windows and glass, making everything watertight, and to stop the water damage.”

Funds raised from the auction also helps to offset the cost to educate St. Bede students beyond tuition and to provide financial assistance bridging the tuition gap by more than 61%.

Items such as certificates and vouchers will be mailed to winners and larger items can be picked up curbside 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, June 20, at the Perino Science Center. St. Bede will hold larger items for a future time that can be arranged for those who don’t live nearby.

For more about the auction, motorhome or how to register for mobile bidding, visit www.st-bede.com or contact Bonnie Prokup at bprokup@st-bede.com.