Tickets now on sale for Lake Michigan College Foundation Student Benefit Auction 34 presented by Sturgis Bank

January 7, 2026

Event: Lake Michigan College Student Benefit Auction presented by Sturgis Bank
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall
2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Tickets: $150 per person; $1,500 for a table of 10

BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – The Lake Michigan College Foundation will host its Student Benefit Auction 34, presented by Sturgis Bank, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, in the LMC Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall on the Benton Harbor Campus.

Tickets are now on sale for the black-tie optional event, which includes an evening of food, cocktails, live musical entertainment, and the opportunity to bid on various auction items.

Since 1988, the Student Benefit Auction, which began as the Winner's Circle Auction, has raised funds to provide scholarships to students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. More than $5 million has been raised for the Scholarship Endowment Fund, with more than $200,000 in student scholarship funds available last year.

This year, the LMC Foundation is recognizing Carolyn Hanson as Chair Emerita of the LMC Student Benefit Auction for her work in establishing the legacy of giving through the annual event.

“Carolyn Hanson recognized early on that many talented students need financial support to access higher education. Through her leadership with the Winner's Circle Auction, she built a tradition of community giving that has provided scholarships for Southwest Michigan students for more than three decades. Her legacy will continue benefiting students for generations to come,” stated Doug Schaffer, LMC Vice President, Advancement & Community Impact & Executive Director of the LMC Foundation.

Back by popular demand, this year's event forgoes the traditional plated dinner for two hours of social networking and a selection of upscale, heavy appetizers to offer more food, variety, and time to mingle with fellow supporters while bidding on silent auction items. The Lake Michigan Vintners Bar features wines by the glass, highlighting the Lake Michigan College Wine & Viticulture program and a robust charcuterie appetizer station, while the Journeyman Spirits Bar features premium craft cocktails.

The evening will culminate with auctioneer Dan McCrery and a selection of live auction items followed by live music from The 1985: Totally ‘80s Mixtape Live!, who will play the best pop, rock, new wave, rap, and metal from the 1980s.

Student Benefit Auction 34 tickets are now available for $150 or reserve a table of 10 for $1,500. Tickets are available online at lakemichigancollege.edu/support/auction/tickets.

During the event, a separate raffle drawing will be held between 6-9 p.m. Raffle tickets are $100 each and are limited to 300. The top prize is $10,000, second prize is $1,000, and third prize is $500. Raffle proceeds benefit the LMC Student Food Pantry. For questions or to purchase raffle tickets, contact Rita Whise (269) 927-6278 or rwhise@lakemichigancollege.edu.

In addition to Presenting Sponsor Sturgis Bank, this year's sponsors include AEP/Cook Plant, Honor Credit Union, Whirlpool Corporation, TPC Technologies, DLZ Michigan, Inc., and others.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? View the sponsorships available or contact Doug Schaffer at 269-927-8120 or dschaffer@lakemichigancollege.edu.

For more information or to donate an item or service to auction during the event, contact Jen O'Flynn at 269-927-6590 or joflynn@lakemichigancollege.edu.