The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team’s Spring Banquet held March 15 at the Holiday Inn Express in North Platte was deemed a resounding success by event coordinators.

According to Dustin Elliott, MPCC Rodeo Team Coach, ticket sales and auction items brought in more than $7,000. The funds will be used to purchase team gear and for traveling expenses.

“All ten members of our current rodeo team, their families, and many college employees were involved in everything from selling tickets to soliciting donations for auction items,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without all the help and support we received.”

Elliott said approximately 140 tickets were sold and about 40 items were donated for the silent auction.

“Our biggest auction item, which came from an anonymous donor, was tickets to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas,” he said. “The Cowboy Connection in North Platte also generously donated a saddle that sold for $800 in the auction.”

Other auction items included sculptures of rodeo events that were made by NPCC welding student Eric Rasmussen and a quilt made by Elliott’s mother and grandmother.

“The community really stepped up to the plate to support us,” Elliott said. “If they didn’t buy a ticket most of them donated.”

Along with the auction, those who attended enjoyed a nice dinner and entertainment by Rascal.

Elliott said the committee is already planning next year’s event; however it will possibly take place earlier in the year to avoid calving season and spring break.

“We want to accommodate everybody and give them a chance to have fun while contributing to a worthy cause,” he said.