‘Sold!’ Students fundraise at auction

May 20, 2019

Paddles shot overhead to bid on Patriots tickets, a fishing trip, and adirondack chairs at the 40th Annual Wareham High School DECA Auction on Sunday.

The event, organized by students in DECA, featured a record number of items— more than 250 were up for live and silent auction and to be won with “rollies,” which are tightly rolled pieces of paper, some of which have a prizewinning number written inside.

The donations were solicited by the 85 students who participate in DECA, a program that allows students to gain skills in marketing, hospitality, tourism, finance, business management, and entrepreneurship.

Club members can choose to compete in local competitions for the chance to advance to states and the national competition, which is called the International Career Development Conference. Seven students participated in ICDC at the beginning of the month. This year’s competition was held in Orlando.

Defraying travel costs for students participating in competitions was one of the main goals of the event.

Julianne Matthews, a junior who helped organize the auction, joined DECA at the suggestion of club advisor Lisa Cunha.

“I tried it, I loved it, and now I’m here,” Matthews said. Matthews added that helping plan the event taught her leadership skills.

Senior Tivon Morton said participating in DECA has helped him get out of his comfort zone and better at cooperating with others.

The total amount raised at the event is still being calculated.