The 2024 Stampede Auction of Champion Pumpkins at Black Hawk College successfully raised a notable $6,075 for the Kewanee Area United Way. This charitable gathering, held on October 23, 2024, at the college’s East Campus, saw students, staff, alumni, and retirees passionately bidding on pumpkin to support local community services. The auction, led by alumnus Bill LeSage, featured 11 lots ranging from actual pumpkins to pumpkin-themed items donated by various local businesses and college programs. The highest bid of $875 came from the Black Hawk East Retirees for a lot donated by Nature’s Creations. The second highest bid of $680 was from the Community Education Center for one of the lots donated by Farmgate Market.This annual event not only bolstered community spirit but also reinforced the commitment of the Kewanee Area United Way to assist up to 16 local agencies
Auction items were donated by:
- BHC East Campus United Way team
- BHC Equestrian Program
- Blair Snyder, on behalf of East Campus student clubs and organizations
- Entwined Boutique, Bishop Hill
- Farmgate Market, Gala
- Nature’s Creations, Kewanee
The other winning bidders were:
- BHE Ag Business Students
- BHE Alumni/WIU
- Black Hawk College Judging Freshman
- American Royal Champs
- Jacobs Family
- Blake & Wrevenna Bloomberg Family
- Hoge Livestock
- Dan and Deanna Hoge
Attendees enjoyed lunch provided by Dr. Blake Bloomberg and the BHC Livestock Judging Team and cupcakes provided by BHC retiree Ray Jacobs in honor of retiree Dan Hoge’s birthday.
