The 2008 Discovery Auction for Austin Area Catholic Schools raised $114,000.

That’s no misprint: 114,000 smackeroos for Catholic education.

According to Holli Mayor, assistant director of development, the amount set a new record.

“We were so very pleased with the generosity shown at the 2008 Discovery Auction,” said Mayer. “We appreciate the help we received from the donors of items for the live and silent auctions and the generosity of the bidders.”

Final tabulations may show an even larger amount, because, Mayer said, “Cash donations are still coming in.”

Held April 5 in the Corcoran Center on the St. Edward’s Catholic Church campus, the auction attracted nearly 300 people.

Jim and Joan Hayden decorated the gymnasium with a “Space Odyssey” theme that was a hit with the crowd.

The Pacelli High School class of 1989 “purchased” the privilege of being seated at the head table for the evening’s dinner, entertainment and fundraising.

The Corcoran Center volunteers under the supervision of Sue Viehauser served the banquet meal of turkey breasts courtesy of Hormel Foods Corporation.

The Pacelli Singers under the direction of Marissa Brengman provided musical entertainment.

Steve Moline and Dave Thompson shared the live auction duties and worked the crowd enthusiastically for the highest bids to help support Catholic education in Austin.

The 16th annual Discovery Auction featured over 500 items this year.

The Pacelli eighth-graders did their part to help raise funds for Catholic education.

They obtained an autographed jersey from the Minnesota Vikings of Rookie of the Year award-winning running back, Adrian Peterson, which boosted the auction earnings.

Jeff and LeeAnn Ettinger sponsored two highly popular items: trips to a NASA training camp at the Kennedy Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Gary and Pat Ray donated the one item that brought the highest individual amount, according to Mayer: a golf package tour to San Francisco and such courses as Pebble Beach and Spyglass.

But the record setting auction total could not have been attained were it not for successful bidding for smaller items, too.

A miniature astronaut designed by Jim and Joan Hayden earned $600.

But the auction-organizers concocted a plan that saw several successful little fundraisers within the big fundraising effort.

For instance, there were raffles. Knights of Columbus Council No. 1201 donated a 42-inch flat-screen TV for one drawing.

Hy-Vee Food Store of Austin, one of the evening’s biggest sponsors, and Anderson Construction, another big sponsor, donated prizes for the “Mystery Purse” drawings.

Another hit of the evening was the “Heads or Tails” game played by auction-goers.

Mary Holtorf, director of AACS education, and Norman Blaser, director of development, each expressed their appreciation to the donors, the bidders and the volunteers.

The Rev. Joseph Fogal gave the invocation and benediction prayers, expressing appreciation for support.

Scurrying about the Corcoran Center were 35 to 40 student volunteers in addition to the adults who assisted in making the evening’s success.

Not to be outdone were other generous sponsors, including Bell Liquor, Bendixen Jewelry and Lou’s Forever Framing.

“Everybody pitched in to make it a success,” Mayer said. “We couldn’t have done this without receiving so much help from others.”

Mayer was one of three chairpersons for the fundraiser. Tara Anderson and Sharon Riekeer were the others.

“Once again, I can only say we are so thankful for the community’s support,” Mayer said. “Catholic education in Austin is the beneficiary.”

The auction proceeds will go to the general fund of AACS.

The 2009 Discovery Auction will take place April 25, 2009, also at Corcoran Center.