Principal Jennifer Paul-O’Donnell and teacher Peter O’Donnell enjoy the event.

Class projects sold for big money.

Nick & Diana Joseph in search of auction deals.

Meg Lesley and Cindy Butler from Full of Beans who catered the event.

The champagne team get ready for action.

The St. Ignatius Catholic School said that the Pennies from Heaven Auction held on Saturday, 6 May was a great success raising much needed funds for the school.

The coordinators for the event were very pleased to report that the total gross income was just over $70,000.

Many expense figures are still to be finalized, but event coordinators estimate that the net proceeds should be very close to their goal of $50,000.

Hundreds of guests were reportedly delighted by the silent auction deals, the tasty appetizers, the three-course meal from Full of Beans Café, the bidding frenzies and all the live auction surprises.

One of the coordinators for this year’s auction, Tom Lasley, Business Manager for the school, was very pleased with his first St. Ignatius auction.

“It was a mad dash these past two weeks to reach the finish line, but the fantastic success of the event made all the hard work worthwhile,” he said.

“The event would not have been possible without the hundreds of supporters of the event, including staff, parents, parishioners and the Cayman community.  I am grateful to all those who have helped support the school.”

Significant supporters from the Cayman Community include Jacques Scott and Island Companies.

Auctioneer James Bebarfald kept the crowd happy with his lively auctioneering style. One of the surprising highlights of the event was the significant bidding activity for a BoddenTown live goat kindly donated from Look Out Farms.

The crowd was particularly impressed with the fact that the goat estimated to be worth approximately $150 eventually sold to the winning bidder in excess of $500.

Principals Jennifer Paul-O’Donnell and Peter Embleton who have been actively involved with the Auction in previous years, were pleased to have Mr. Lasley’s involvement as it allowed them more time to remain focused on the student’s education. 

Father Mike Molner has supported and attended every auction held by St. Ignatius since arriving in the Cayman Islands many years ago, and this auction was no exception.

“This event has reached symbolic status for me,” said Fr Molner.

“While it was originally introduced years ago to raise funds, it has grown into a traditional and fun community affair, and I was glad to see that once again the coordinators achieved the goal of keeping the event fun.”