By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The final results of Saturday’s Thomas More Prep Marian 2019 Auction for Christian Education (ACE) fundraiser are still being tallied, but it was “very, very successful” according to Troy Ruda, advancement director.
Ruda said Wednesday morning he does know the popular ACE Live Auction Item #60 reached and exceeded its goal.
“With $222,000 raised, the Leo J. and Albina Dreiling Trust matching funds were added, earning a total of $422,000,” Ruda reported.
ACE Live Auction Item #60 targets different needs each year.
In 2019, the funds will be used in two areas.
First up is the replacement of the student activity bus for TMP-Marian Sr./Jr. High School and Holy Family Elementary.
“The bus was donated to us in 2011 with 900,000 miles on it and today has more than 1.5 million miles,” said Ruda. “These buses are designed to be driven for many more miles than a passenger vehicle, but it needs to be replaced. There may be some safety concerns develop and it’s not very economical (on gas.)”
Ruda says a volunteer committee is looking at a new Executive Liner coach similar to those at Fort Hays State University which can be serviced in Hays. The current bus has to be taken out of town for maintenance. He’s hoping the new bus will be on campus by the end of 2019.
Other monies are going to the junior high renovation project.
It currently operates in the northeast wing of the second and third floors.
The goal is to relocate all the junior high classrooms and junior high administration to the third floor and allow the high school to completely occupy the first and second floors.
Construction of the new library, known as the Learning Commons, is expected to get underway this summer Ruda says, and the third-floor Center for Research will be vacated.
ACE was streamed live on Hays Post. Click here to review the auction.