The energy and chatter were high as people gathered in the Lory Student Center Theatre on Colorado State University’s campus for this year’s Occupational Therapy Silent Auction. “From competing to win the bid on a prized item, to enjoying the performances, we had a great turnout and it seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Megan Hanna, a second-year occupational therapy student and volunteer for the event.

Dedicated donors and volunteers

The annual silent auction which helps support professional growth opportunities for members of the CSU Student Occupational Therapy Association was a big success due to the many hours dedicated by Holly Minning and Nicole Ethier, co-chairs for the event. “Staff, faculty, students, alumni, family, friends, and community members really rallied in support of our organization,” said Minning. “All the time and energy spent planning was completely worth it to see everyone unified and having fun.”

In addition many students gave their time to help obtain and display auction items and volunteer the night of the event. Between 200 and 300 items were collected from businesses and private donors all over the state. These donations were combined to create over 100 auction baskets and packages. Auction items this year included ski lift tickets, five pounds of cookie dough including the secret cookie recipe, 12 pounds of farm-raised beef, massages, spa packages and much more.

“Collecting donations was a truly humbling experience because people in this community and in this department are so very generous,” said Minning. “Nicole and I are so grateful to all our donors, volunteers and attendees for making the event such a success!”

Entertainment all around

While bidders perused auction items, music and entertainment from students and local artists filled the room. Second-year student Emily Browder-Bohall played a solo act followed by the sweet harmonies and artistic accompaniment of Assistant Professor Jaclyn Stephens and second-year students Chris Wrzesien and Abby Wirth. Next, second-year student Christof Bentele wowed guests with his slam poetry. Wrzesien and his bandmates, Noah Metzger and Sam Miller, finished the night out with musical covers of popular rock songs.

In between musical acts, guests held their breath as emcee extraordinaire Melanie Carle announced raffle ticket winning numbers, last call for bidding and auction winners. Guests cheered as winners claimed their prizes.

“It was great to be able to interact with faculty, students and staff outside of the academic environment,” said PhD student Adam Kinney, “and to see another side of people.”

The Department of Occupational Therapy is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.