Portsmouth Christian Academy Shatters Giving Record in 28th Annual Auction

DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE—Participants in Portsmouth Christian Academy’s (PCA) 28th Annual Benefit Auction helped set a new record for the school last weekend, generating $392,000 at the time of this writing. All proceeds benefit PCA’s Variable Tuition program, which offers reduced tuition to financially qualified families.

Light-hearted, friendly competition was once again on full display as families from more than 50 Seacoast towns in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts came together to bid on hundreds of fun items and experiences to benefit families throughout the region. Variable Tuition supports over 40% of PCA’s students.

“The Auction helps us accomplish our number-one strategic priority: respond to the demand for Christian education in our mixed-income region,” explains Elaina Russo, Director of Development. “Investments in Variable Tuition are investments in future generations of young men and women who will help shape and inform their families, communities, and our world.”

The morning began at 8am with a hearty breakfast, provided by LCG Catering, LLC, and was followed by bidding kick-off. Items, services, and “experiences” were auctioned off as part of the Live Auction, and online as part of the Silent Auction. Luxury getaways, water cruises, themed gift baskets, summer camps, and fine dining were some of the popular items up for bid.

Also up for bid were student experiences like Principal for a Day, Librarian for a Day, and Security for a Day. Bidding generated nearly $120,000 in donations.

The most moving portion of the event came when Russo took to the stage to kick off “Sponsor-A-Child,” where donors raised their paddles to help students attend PCA for a year, semester, quarter, and day. It was during this time of Spirit-led giving that Auction-goers gave the bulk of the school’s 2023 Auction total. Almost $250,000 was raised in this short 15-minute span. Parents and grandparents, faculty and staff, and local community members all joined to help PCA’s Variable Tuition families continue to provide an excellent Christian education to their sons and daughters.

“Seeing hundreds of people giving—knowing they aren’t going home with a tangible item during those Sponsor a Child moments—is a testament to the compassion and generosity that are hallmarks of our unique school culture,” says Head of School Mike Runey. “Volunteers gave hundreds of hours to bring the Auction to life and financial donors gave generously to enable families to send their children to PCA. Those who are new to PCA got to witness firsthand the devotion of our community to children and their families…to see the commitment of givers to blessing others who desire academic excellence combined with a Kingdom focus for their children.”

Russo adds: “I’m honored to work shoulder-to-shoulder with volunteers and donors who are committed to the school’s mission: to honor God joyfully by maximizing the God-given potential of every child. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this fine school.”

While Auction Day is over, the giving goes on through Sponsor a Child, which remains open! If you feel led to donate to Sponsor a Child, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/rry/page/sponsor-a-child/. If you’d like to talk with our Development Office to learn more about PCA’s Strategic Plan, and how you can bless the students, families, and employees of Portsmouth Christian Academy, reach out to Elaina Russo at erusso@pcaschool.org