February 23, 2024

By Lane Kimble

CHARLOTTE HARBOR, Fla. — First, the cheers were for Fabick Cat’s Andy Coté, who won a South Dakota pheasant hunt thanks to the persistent paddle raising of a Ramthun grandchild on his shoulder.

Moments later, the cheers grew and the high fives started flying.

That auction item pushed the total well beyond JR Ramthun’s goal of raising $200,000 during the WTBA Annual Scholarship Auction.   When all was said and done, the auction raised just north of $277,000 for the Transportation Education Fund.  It was the most money raised in the event’s history.

“The Scholarship Auction was phenomenal.  We set a lofty goal of $200,000 and we all came together… unbelievable… I did not expect it to go that far over 200,” Ramthun said.

All night, bidders and spectators kept an eye on a video screen showing the rising total. An opposite screen showed current and upcoming items, which included things such as equipment rentals, sports memorabilia, jewelry, and Summerfest VIP packages.

The auction also featured a silent version, which went live 12 days before the live auction in Florida.

WTBA of Tomorrow and Associate Council members relentlessly gathered items and cash donations from members over the course of several months, leading to an excellent array to bid on.

The Scholarship Auction pays for WTBA’s annual Scholarship Program in addition to other educational efforts across Wisconsin which strengthen our industries.