After two years of postponing the Santiam Scholarship Banquet, the May 21 event went on without a hitch, netting approximately $66,000.
The theme of this year’s event was “Sports Fanatic.” Two referees, mayor of Mill City Tim Kirsch and Santiam Canyon School District Superintendent Todd Miller, were throwing penalty flags throughout the night to keep bidders in line, while also serving as master of ceremonies and auctioneer.
The dinner was catered by Adam’s Rib restaurant of Salem, serving tri-tip, pulled pork, chicken and sides.
Santiam CTE Industrial Arts program’s barrel shaped smoker went for $4,600.
Santiam alumni Joe Tate was the highest bidder for the Float & Feast item, only to donate it back for the next higher bidder. Tate donated the trip back in honor of his late father, Charlie Tate.
“Mill City was the best place he had ever lived,” Tate said.
“I was blown away by the scholarship banquet,” Santiam Elementary Principal Corrine McGinnis said. “Everything was so fun, engaging and geared towards generously supporting students in this district. I smiled and laughed so much, that by the end of the night, my cheeks hurt.’
