A basketful of goodies can surprisingly make thousands for schools.
Buffalo HERD sold around 90 baskets on Nov. 11 at The Villages High School during the 20th annual Basket Auction.
“We (had) baskets containing a variety of items from the most amount of squishmallows you could imagine, to VHS Academy and athletic experiences, to fishing trips,” said Courtney Gage, Buffalo HERD President.
The silent auction was made up of mostly baskets that teachers and student families created with themes chosen by teachers, said Gage.
“We had instant purchase items and then the live auction part consisted of baskets, trips, experiences, and more,” said Gage. “Some of those experiences are being offered by the High School Academies and Athletic Teams. We did have a few items that were instant purchase such as gift cards.”
The event was well attended and had dozens of buyers from generous companies and organizations in area.
“We cannot thank our business partners enough for the opportunity that their gracious hearts give our students each event, especially our Buffalo Basket Auction, which is the largest fundraiser of the year for our parent organization,” Gage said. “All donations go directly to the school to utilize how they best see fit to help the student body directly.”
Administration in VCS is appreciative of the event.
“It was an incredible event,” said Randy McDaniel, director of education. “We held the event at our school and it was very beautiful. Everyone seemed to have a great time.”
McDaniel is proud to have parent involvement from Buffalo HERD, because it plays such a big part in VCS culture.
“The students, faculty and staff here at VCS are truly blessed,” McDaniel said. “Being a school of choice and having our parents so positively involved allows our school to offer so many ‘plus one’ resources and activities.”
The event had a net income $300,000, one of the largest takes from the 20-year history of the event.
“The auction is a long standing tradition at VCS and has raised thousands of dollars over the years to help fund various programs and events throughout the Villages Charter School,” said Rob Grant, principal of The Villages High School. “The Buffalo HERD organization provides a wealth of opportunities to volunteer and support to our students, parents and teachers and are an integral part of the success of the charter school.”
Buffalo HERD is grateful for the big take this year.
“To have the parents and business partners that we have, as well as an amazing community to be a part of, we are just so thankful,” Gage said. “We feel honored and thankful to be able to host these events to benefit the school, our students and their futures. The high school was a beautiful venue to host the event.”
Buffalo HERD still has events coming up through the remainder of the school year.
One event includes the Buffalo HERD Clay Shoot, which was postponed until April 12 at Blackjack’s Sporting Clays.
“This will be our second annual clay shoot event held at Blackjack’s Sporting Clays,” Gage said. “We hope to see more signups as the event draws closer. If anyone is interested in participating for a fun time out on the range and some good BBQ, visit our website.”
Individual participation is $225 or $800 for a four person team.
Organizations, clubs and companies also can make a donation to be a sponsor.
Shooters will be provided with a BBQ meal is being provided by Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and non-shooters can support the school by purchasing a BBQ lunch for $15.
To sign up for the Clay Shoot, visit buffaloherd.tvcs.org.
The group is currently looking for donations to provide VCS families who are struggling to feed their households and to help provide those children with gifts.
Around 100 families are currently in need of donations.
To make a donation, visit thevillagessecretsanta.com.
Staff writer Garrett Shiflet can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5367, or garrett.shiflet@thevillagesmedia.com.
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