St. Rose of Lima Auction Raises $125,000 for Scholarship Fund

St. Rose of Lima Catholic School raised $125,000 through a single paddle raise for its scholarship fund during a James Bond-themed auction on Saturday night, the Columbia Basin Herald reported.

The “007 Auction Royale” event drew a crowd that far exceeded the school’s immediate enrollment, with registered attendees reaching 275 people. This figure represents more than double the 120 families currently enrolled in the school, according to Nick Moore, who was selling raffle cards at the event.

The funds specifically targeted the Fr. Kerr Scholarship Fund, an initiative designed to ensure that financial standing does not prevent a child from attending the institution. Principal Amy Krautscheid emphasized that the school maintains a policy of not turning any family away, regardless of their economic circumstances.

“We want to make sure our doors are open to everybody, but that comes at a cost,” Krautscheid said, noting the economic reality of maintaining the school’s mission.

The scholarship fund addresses the difference between the actual cost of education and what families are asked to pay. While the per-pupil cost sits at approximately $12,000, the school sets tuition at just under $7,000.

The revenue generated from the auction serves a dual purpose: it subsidizes the scholarship fund and covers essential operational overhead. These funds are directed toward building maintenance, teacher salaries, and other ongoing expenses that keep the school functional for the communities of Ephrata, Moses Lake, and Quincy.

“It helps everybody, not just those who are on scholarship,” Krautscheid said.

The scholarship fund is named for Fr. Seamus Kerr, a longtime pastor who is now in his 90s. Despite being officially retired, Kerr traveled from Japan to attend the auction and witness the generosity of his former parishioners, according to event organizers.

For many in the region, the school is more than an educational facility; it is a multi-generational institution. Established in 1959, the school has become a fixture for families in the Columbia Basin.

“My kids are third-generation students here,” Matt Moore told the Columbia Basin Herald. “My mom got to go here as a little kid. My grandparents were one of the founders early on. It’s a special place. There are not a lot of small towns that have an institution like this.”

The auction items reflected this deep community involvement, ranging from professional services to student-made crafts. Items included:

A trip to see the Seattle Kraken play
Getaway packages to Silver Valley and Flathead Lake
A new mattress and various kitchen appliances
A stone rosary embedded in a table, crafted by students
A wooden coat rack featuring Bible verses
A custom-welded fire pit designed by students at the St. Rose Prep middle school program

While the total amount raised by the entire event was not immediately available, the $125,000 generated by the Fr. Kerr Scholarship paddle raise alone serves as a substantial pillar for the school’s upcoming academic year.