HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School Salthawk Booster Club is preparing for its fifth annual "We Are Salthawks" Ultimate Benefit and Auction, scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2027, at the Cottonwood Court Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
The event, which begins at 5 p.m., will feature dinner, entertainment, raffles and live and silent auctions to raise money for Hutchinson High School athletic programs.
Salthawk Booster Club President Amanda Parks said this year's event has been moved from its traditional March date to April to avoid scheduling conflicts and allow more opportunities for community participation.
"We finally got a date set. It was a lot of work trying to find a date this year, so we actually pushed it back to April 17," Parks said. "We're about a month later than we have been in the past, but I feel like it's going to give us a little bit more freedom and less complications with people's schedules."
Originally organized as a fundraiser specifically for the Hutchinson High School football program, the event expanded five years ago to benefit all Salthawk athletic programs.
Parks said the decision to include every sport has helped broaden community involvement while increasing fundraising opportunities.
"We decided as a group that it was time to include everybody," Parks said. "So then we can help support those other sports, and then when you add other sports, you get a lot more people to attend."
Hutchinson High School athletic and activities director Steve Kappenman said the money raised helps the athletic department cover expenses that may fall outside its regular budget, including equipment, meals and other resources for student-athletes.
"It just helps bridge the gap on some of those things that maybe we come up a little short on," Kappenman said. "It could be equipment. It could be feeding kids. As everybody knows, everything is getting more and more expensive."
The evening will feature a variety of auction items donated by local businesses and community supporters. Previous fundraisers have included vacation packages, sports experiences, customized Salthawk merchandise and unique memorabilia.
Parks said organizers work to provide items at different price points so attendees can participate regardless of their budgets.
"We try to give the best variety, so there's a little bit for everybody," Parks said. "We don't want it to just be super expensive items, and then not everybody can bid on them."
Organizers are currently seeking donations, auction items and sponsorships from businesses and individuals.
Kappenman said customized Salthawk items are particularly popular with auction participants.
"I think what people really like is custom things," Kappenman said. "Anything that has that Salthawk logo on it, people want something they can't just buy at the store on Amazon."
Individual tickets are $65 and include admission, dinner and access to auction bidding. Table and sponsorship packages range from $600 to $5,500, with benefits that can include reserved seating, athletic passes, student section sponsorship opportunities and a press box experience during a home football game. Click here to purchase tickets online.
Parks said the booster club also plans to offer ticket promotions leading up to the event.
The fundraiser will again be held at the Cottonwood Court Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, which Kappenman said provides additional space for attendees and auction activities. Organizers are considering using the building's upstairs area for auction displays.
Hutchinson Clinic returns as the event's premier sponsor.
"Very thankful for Hutchinson Clinic," Kappenman said. "They are the premier sponsor, and they have the last couple years. So they just keep coming back to the table and supporting us."
Although entertainment plans are still being finalized, Parks said attendees can expect an evening centered on food, fundraising and community support.
Parks encouraged residents to participate even if they do not plan to make major auction purchases.
"Even if you buy a ticket and just come hang out and maybe spend $20 on a raffle ticket, just coming out as a community and supporting these kids and these coaches that need that extra support sometimes," Parks said.
Businesses and individuals interested in donating auction items, purchasing sponsorships or learning more about the event can contact the Salthawk Booster Club at wearesalthawks@gmail.com or through its Facebook page, @HutchHighBoosterClub.
Additional information is available by contacting Amanda at 620-694-7994, Christine at 620-664-8131 or Erin at 620-694-6683.