QPS Foundation Dream Big silent auction open through Friday; more than 200 packages available

QUINCY — The Quincy Public Schools Foundation’s annual Dream Big Silent Auction is online and open to local bidders. More than 200 packages are up for auction.

A highlight of the auction is a Spartan RZ Residential Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower donated by Outdoor Power, Inc. Other items include an electric guitar signed by Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, a bottle of Weller 12 Bourbon, and a 2012 Masters flag signed by Bubba Watson.

Several Blue Devil-themed packages are available, including season tickets to both basketball and football games, a graduation package that includes reserved parking and seating for the 2024 commencement ceremony and a birthday party with the baseball team.

Anyone can bid in the auction, though items must be picked up in person. Auction items are solicited from the community with the help of the Dream Big Planning Committee.

The auction runs through 10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3. Night to Dream Big attendees can take their auction items home with them. For those not in attendance, four pick-up times are scheduled.  Items may be picked up at Baldwin School on Nov. 7 and 9 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.

The foundation also is having a raffle for a CFMOTO CForce 500 ATV. The winner of the raffle will be drawn at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, during Night to Dream Big — though participants do not need to be present to win.

Tickets are priced as follows:

• 1 ticket for $20
• 3 tickets for $50
• 10 tickets for $100.

The auction and raffle tickets are at qpsfoundation.org/ntdb.

All proceeds raised this evening benefit the Quincy Public Schools Foundation, whose mission is to acquire and distribute financial and other resources aimed at fulfilling the mission of Quincy Public Schools. In the last fiscal year alone, endowment dividends and board designated funds provided more than $330,000 in support for the QPS District through the QPSF grant program to meet teacher and districts requests for technology, curriculum, training and other program needs. Contributors to funding for the QPS District include previous Dream Big campaigns, grants and private gifts.

Gifts to the Dream Big Campaign should be made to QPS Foundation through the Foundation office at Quincy High School, postal mail or the foundation’s web site, www.qpsfoundation.org. Mobile device users may easily donate electronically by texting “QPSF” to number 44-321. People interested in endowment giving may contact the Foundation office at 217-228-7112 to request more information.

The Quincy Public Schools Foundation’s major sponsors are:

• Dale Koontz Builder
• O’Connor Financial
• Refreshment Services Pepsi
• WGEM
• Knapheide
• First Bankers Trust
• Hy-Vee
• Outdoor Power
• County Market Liquor