04/04/2025
Good morning Crusaders,
Cowboy up Crusaders and get ready for one of the most exciting events of the year! The Bishop Heelan Auction on Thursday, April 10th is shaping up to be an unforgettable evening filled with fun, community spirit, and, of course, the chance to support a great cause. With 20 live auction items up for grabs, as well as a wide selection of super silent and silent auction treasures, there’s something for everyone — whether you're bidding on a dream vacation, unique experiences, or one-of-a-kind items!
We’re thrilled to welcome Doug ’81 and Lisa Nelson (Alumni Chair Couple), John and Jessica VanHolland (Heelan Chair Couple), Cole and Leah ’90 Knapp (Holy Cross Chair Couple), Todd and Susan Roerig (Mater Dei Chair Couple), and Craig and Jennifer Letch (Sacred Heart Chair Couple) as your 2025 Heelan Auction Chair Couples. With a heart as big as the prairie and grit to spare, they’ve been roping up all kinds of good merchandise to make this year’s western-themed auction an unforgettable evening. By the way, the chuckwagon will be filled with great grub too!
But that's not all — the excitement kicks off a day early with a "Sneak Peak" Adults-Only Happy Hour Hootenanny on Wednesday, April 9th from 5 to 7 PM at the O'Gorman Fieldhouse. It’s the perfect chance to mingle, have some complimentary suds, and get a sneak peek at some of the auction items before the big event. It will be a great time, so make sure to mark your calendar!
If you can’t make it, you can go to our online bidding site at https://one.bidpal.net/heelanauction/browse/all. It’s like going to the Mercantile, but a whole lot better.
The goal for the auction this year is an impressive $550,000 for our operating budget and an additional $275,000 goal for “Fund a Cause.” This year’s three tiered initiative is aimed at enhancing the safety of Bishop Heelan High School in three areas. Specifically, the first $100,000 raised will go toward the creation of a new "Walk of Faith" — a beautiful new space designed to encourage reflection, prayer, and connection among the Heelan community, while also providing a safe walking area from Grandview Boulevard near the CYO Center to Bishop Heelan High School. Additionally, the remaining funds will help complete two separate parking lot projects. One which will add another exit from the Heelan parking lot area to 11th Street. The final project will finish paving the current parking lot and create 40-45 additional parking spaces while also adding security lighting for our student body ensuring that the school is accessible and welcoming for years to come.
This event is more than just an auction — it’s a chance for the entire Bishop Heelan community to come together, celebrate their shared values, and make a lasting impact on the school. Whether you’re attending to place bids, enjoy the social atmosphere, or simply show support for the cause, your participation is key to making this year's auction a success.
So, mark your calendars for April 9th and 10th, and get ready to be part of something special. Together, we can make a difference and continue to build a stronger future for Bishop Heelan. Giddy up!
Tom Betz, '85
Vice President of Advancement
