Scarlet and Blue Auction raises more than $51,000 for Hannibal-LaGrange University

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Scarlet and Blue Auction, held Friday, May 20, raised $26,384.15 for Hannibal-LaGrange University. This number exceeded the matching George H. Riedel Foundation grant of $25,000 for a grand total of $51,384.15 toward HLGU’s current financial challenge to help the university pay off or avoid any additional debt.

More than 200 items were donated to the auction by the community, HLGU employees and alumni.

“One of the sweetest things that happened at the auction was watching the fellowship among our attendees,” director of alumni services and development Lauren Youse said in a press release. “There were so many fun conversations happening. It really felt like a family reunion. I’m so thankful to all the community members, HLGU faculty and staff and HLGU alumni who donated items and attended the auction. It was a wonderful event that raised much-needed funding for the university.”

The auction featured items like a signed Travis Kelce football, an antique pipe organ, several riding lawnmowers and an 1880s J.N. Scott Shotgun. A tea party with former HLGU first lady Katherine Burt sold for $1,700, highlighting the evening.

“The Scarlet and Blue Auction was a significant generator of resources for HLGU and, importantly, it served as a venue for God to work through people’s lives as an encouragement to each other and for the mission of HLGU,” vice president of institutional advancement Ray Carty said. “The auction was an enjoyable and encouraging event. R.C. Harlow, a professional auctioneer, did a wonderful job presenting the live auction in an energetic and professional manner. The auction helped to set the stage for a vibrant path going forward. We are thankful.”

The $25,000 matching grant from the Riedel Foundation was given to support the mission of HLGU. Since the Riedel Foundation started in 2000, it has given nearly $150,000 in financial support to Hannibal-LaGrange. Those awards have helped establish computer and band camps for Hannibal children, provided equipment for the science building and scholarships for the university. It has also contributed money toward the fine arts theater and its productions, medical training for the nursing
program and mentoring for at-risk kids.

“The Riedel Foundation trustees awarded this matching grant with full confidence that the community would support HLGU and the Scarlet and Blue Auction with their generosity,” Riedel Administrator Sarah Deien said. “We believe in the mission of HLGU and recognize not only the economic impact the university has in Hannibal, but also the many ways it enriches lives. The Riedel Foundation has had a long-standing relationship with the university, and we hope to continue to collaborate on projects that benefit our community.”