Auction nets school $76,000

St. Joachim Parish School in Costa Mesa raised $76,000 at this year’s Caliente auction fundraiser — about $10,000 more than last year.

“The event was a tremendous success,” Cornelia Fuertes of the school said, adding that it topped all expectations. “Considering current economic difficult times, this is an even greater success the whole St. Joachim family can be very proud of. Way to go, St. Joachim Seakings!”

The auction is the private Catholic school’s largest single fundraiser.

The Nov. 7 event started with a silent auction and cocktails for its 220 patrons, before moving into the school’s Nevin Hall for a dinner and live auction.

This was the second year the auction was in the school’s hall, which attendees said made the event feel even more personal. It also made it easy for those attending Mass earlier in the day to go straight to the auction dinner, Fuertes said.

The hall was decorated with white lights and paper flowers; dinner was catered by El Ranchito.

Auction items included trips to destinations like Marquis Los Cabos and Mauna Lani Hawaii, as well as a Paul Frank Bike, a Tony Hawk signed deck and more.

For more information, call (949) 574-7411 or visit stjoachimparishschool.com.