Co-Chair Mary Black and Auction Chair Melissa Campanaro The Zone at Williams Brice was the scene of hustle and bustle as Cardinal Newman school held its 13th Annual Auction Saturday, March 7. Auction chair Melissa Campanaro and co- chair Mary Black took a few minutes to share their excitement about this year's event.

Campanaro said, "We originally feared the recession would adversely affect donations, but in the end it did not seem to be the case. People dug deep, and we are so grateful they felt they could support Cardinal Newman." Black agreed, "I think people still want to give when they can. They have just had to prioritize their giving, and it is wonderful that Cardinal Newman is one of those priorities for so many."

The room was filled with donations for silent auction from party packages to beautiful metal sculptures to grandfather clocks. Patrons browsed and bid right up to the deadline when bids closed, and it was time for the live auction to begin. Live auction items included an impressive ceramic mirror made by Cardinal Newman ceramics students, a Kiawah Island Getaway, a stunning diamond ring, a special mass for 10 in the Rectory Chapel by Father Richard Harris followed by heavy hors d'oeuveres, and a precious lab puppy.

Auctioneer Jim Deyling and Principal Jacqueline Kasprowski There was so much to bid on that one hardly knew where to start. The final numbers are not in yet, but the auction chairs were hoping to earn at least $115,000, every penny of which goes back to the school. This year's Fund- A- Project is the three- year technology initiative to wire and equip every classroom in the new school with smart board technology. One third of the money is already in a savings account from last year. The audition organizers hope to earn another third at the 2009 auction and the final third next year.

Principal Jacqueline Kasprowski also had some news for auction goers. She made reference to an existing news program at Cardinal Newman and stated that she would be adding two new television productions. The Cardinal WINGS peer to peer mentoring program has been bringing leadership opportunities to older students and will continue to do so. To help the faculty with the college style scheduling Dr. Jay McTighe was brought from Maryland to spend a day with the teachers. Also two teachers are scheduled to attend a national conference on Catholic education. Others are attending a statewide conference on "Differentiated Assessment." Mrs. Kasprowski wishes it to be known that none of this would be possible without the help of financial contributions. She also shared plans that the new school will move forward rapidly after the installation of the new bishop but that background work has continued throughout this year.

Carleen McQueeney, George Newton and Robin Newton This year's major sponsors included Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina; JHS Architecture: Integrated Design, Inc.; Dick Smith Automotive; and FN Manufacturing. Table sponsors were AccuPad, Inc.; AQA International; Boyd Management; Colite International, Ltd.; Defender Services, Inc.; First Command Financial Planning; K&M Uniforms; Lizard's Thicket; South Carolina Heart Center- Columbia; Thermo King; and Keenan and Suggs. Advertisers included BB& T Wealth Management; Carolina Retail Packaging; Carolina Shoulder & Knee Specialists; ccbozard consulting; Columbiettes; Martin C. Murphy Council #6847; Diabetic Supply Source; Genova Family Karate; Hinks Company Mortgage Consultant; J.E. Wilson Advisors; Kelly and Gary Davis; Knights of Columbus; Martin C. Murphy Council #6847; Logic South; Mashburn Construction Company, Inc.; R. Sims Tompkins D.M.D.; M.S./ Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics; Rita's Ice Custard Happiness; Carolina Shoulder & Knee Specialists; McDowell Pearman, LLC; Midlands Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.A.; Northpoint Heating and Air; RGS Inc./Jostens; Schiano's; Spring Valley Dental Associates, LLC; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; St. Joseph Catholic Church; St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church; St. Peter Catholic Church; The Palmetto Group; The Zvejnieks Foundation; Wachovia Securities, LLC; Brian P. Dunphy; Financial Advisor; Wenco Commercial Drywall; Whitlark & Ballou Trial Lawyers; and Wood Creations of Columbia.

Lisa Columbo and lab puppy to be auctioned For a full list visit of sponsors and donors, visit www.cnhs.org/ptoauction. asp .

Teresa Lattimore, Courtney Poston, Rian Tompkins, and Chelsea Goodwin