CCC Endowment Dinner & Auction Breaks Records, Raises $158,000 for Students
March 28, 2026
The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation’s annual dinner and auction delivered a record-setting night on March 28, as the community came together in a powerful show of support for local students and the future of the college.
According to Endowment Foundation Director Melissa Rickford, the event generated more than $158,000 in gross proceeds, marking the highest total in the event’s history.
Held at the Colby Event Center, the evening drew an estimated 380 guests and featured 219 auction items, reflecting both the scale of the event and the continued growth of community involvement. The event has expanded significantly in recent years, moving to the Event Center in 2022 to accommodate increasing attendance and participation.
“We broke a record with our gross proceeds,” Rickford said. “We’re very thankful for the community and how invested they are in our students and the success of the college.”
Funds raised through the auction directly support student scholarships and academic enhancements, helping the college keep pace with growing enrollment. Rickford noted that Colby Community College has experienced increased demand, even requiring temporary housing solutions earlier in the school year due to overflow enrollment.
That growth is something the foundation aims to match through continued fundraising efforts.
“The more students we bring into the area, the more likely they are to stay, work, and contribute to the local economy,” Rickford said.
The success of the evening was fueled not only by financial contributions, but also by widespread participation from across campus and the community. CCC student-athletes and organizations played a key role in executing the event, assisting with setup, teardown, and operations throughout the night.
Teams such as volleyball, softball, wrestling, basketball, crosscountry, and livestock judging were heavily involved, with students serving as item presenters, raffle assistants, and auction spotters. Their efforts highlighted a deeper connection between the students and the community that supports them.
“They get to see firsthand that these funds are going directly back to them,” Rickford said.
In addition to assisting with the event, teams and clubs also contributed auction items of their own. Proceeds from those items are directed back into each program’s endowment fund, further supporting scholarships and team-related expenses.
The evening also carried a strong sense of energy and entertainment, with attendees embracing the event’s “There’s No Place Like Home” theme. Costumes added a competitive and festive element, with awards given for best dressed table, couple, and individual. Mark and Wendy Weishaar won best dressed couple, while Brenton Kirkhart won the individual award.
Interest in the event extended beyond the night itself. The auction’s online platform generated more than 2,800 page views from over 800 unique visitors in the lead-up to the event, helping build anticipation and allowing attendees to preview items in advance.
Rickford emphasized that the impact of the auction continues well beyond a single evening. In the days following the event, the foundation has already seen increased interest from donors looking to establish or expand scholarship funds.
“It creates awareness and excitement about what’s happening at the college,” she said.
For Rickford, the night ultimately reflected something deeper than fundraising totals.
“You won’t find a better place when it comes to people giving of themselves to create opportunities and make it a great place to live,” she said.
With record-breaking support and growing momentum, the CCC Endowment Dinner and Auction continues to serve as a cornerstone event—one that not only invests in students, but reinforces the strength and pride of the entire community.