Night of Knights celebrates 40th anniversary

The more things change, the more they stay the same, as the saying goes.

Such is the case with the Night of Knights Auction, the annual fundraiser for St. Mary’s School in Owatonna.

Last weekend, the event celebrated its 40^th year with a tribute to the original auction committee.

In a video produced by the school, the members talked about that inaugural year, including their favorite memories.

In a long list of auction items – both silent and live – was a repeat of one of that first year’s items: A Victorian holiday, with one night in the premium king room at the St. James Hotel, with riverside views, over Mother’s Day weekend.

There was also a display of memorabilia from past years, including T-shirts and auction booklets.

But there have definitely been changes – specifically, around the silent auction.

No longer do bidders have to stand near the bid sheet as time runs out, watching as friendly rivals try to get the last word – or number.

Instead, attendees received a link via text message when they registered, allowing them to enter a payment option. Bidders can then track the auction items and bid from anywhere.

Mostly gone is some of the in-person competition; in its place is the ability to support the cause from afar.

There were several big-ticket auction items, including a 2012 Ford Expedition; a kayak package with carrying bag, manual and electric pump, adjustable camera mount, floating sound system, dry cooler bag; a lithium golf cart; and a professional private chef home party for 10, with a three-course meal.

“We’re very lucky, very fortunate to have a great group of volunteers and community members for the auction, because it’s a big event,” said Jonathan Scheeler, marketing and admissions manager for the school.

In addition to the silent and live auctions, there were raffles, drawings and the “big-give,” the Spirit of the Knight.

While 100% of the proceeds from all events go toward this year’s $140,000 goal, the Spirit of the Knight donations tend to have the biggest impact.

Money raised will go toward school security improvements in the form of new interior doors. The hope is to purchase and install them on classrooms this summer; the fire-rated, solid core wood material doors with an inside security lock cost about $3,000 each.

Though the project is something that wouldn’t have been considered 40 years ago, the overall goal remains the same, Scheeler said.

“It’s all about the kids. Always about the kids.”