SWIFT CURRENT, SK – Great Plains College was excited to welcome a sold-out crowd to the Carhartts & Caviar Welding Showcase and Auction on March 6. The college is pleased to report the event raised over $42,000 this year, which will be used to support the Welding program, equipment enhancements, and the scholarship fund.
From coffee tables and coat racks to a sprawling garden archway, the college’s Welding students, their instructor, alumni and local businesses came together to create nine unique lots that were auctioned off at the event.
“The Carhartts & Caviar event has become a cornerstone of the program, giving students a unique opportunity to hone their skills and collaborate on custom projects that they can proudly showcase to family, friends, and potential employers,” said Jared McKenzie, Welding instructor at Great Plains College. “Even after more than a decade, we are blown away by the sold-out crowds, dedicated alumni and generous sponsors who continue to support our students.”
Each year, Welding students work in teams to create custom pieces for the auction through a process called JunkYard Wars; those pieces are then auctioned by the students themselves, creating a little friendly competition amongst teams. This year, both JunkYard Wars pieces were amongst the highest earning lots, the Rustic Boot Rack selling for $3,000 and the Craftsman’s Workbench for $2,400. The Backyard Oasis Set, including a Canadian-themed fire pit and CANVAS outdoor sectional set was also a top-earning item, bringing in $2,600.
Over the past 13 years, the event has raised nearly $300,000, which has been reinvested into the college’s scholarship fund, and equipment and shop improvements for the Welding program, including the purchase of a CNC plasma table, milling machine, iron-worker, 12 new welders and wire feeders, a pulsed arc welder and two tig welders.
“Carhartts & Caviar exemplifies our commitment to teaching excellence, providing quality hands-on learning experiences, and fostering connections with local industries, employers and communities,” said Brad Mahon, president & CEO at Great Plains College. “This event is a highlight of our academic year, and it wouldn’t be possible without the investment of our sponsors, alumni, and community; thank you for your unwavering support.”
Great Plains College would like to again thank all of the sponsors that made this year’s event possible, including the presenting sponsor S3 Group Ltd. and hospitality sponsor, City of Swift Current.
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For more information contact:
Amy Masse, manager of marketing and communications
Cell: 306-737-6107
Email