(Seguin) — The founders of the ABT Foundation are soliciting support in preparation of their annual fundraiser designed to support local youth involved in agricultural activities.
Blake and Jennifer Bertling are currently in search of community partners willing to donate auction items or who would like to become table sponsors for the 5th annual fundraiser slated for Saturday, April 30 at 5 p.m. at the Columbus Hall of Seguin.
Jennifer says as many may know, the foundation has not only been a source of healing for her family, but it has become a source of support for area youth looking to begin their futures.
“The Ann & Bethany Bertling and Tristan Gonzalez Foundation was created in memory of three people who were killed in an accident in 2016. We shortened it by calling it the ABT Foundation but we raise money and we give it to 4H and FFA kids through the youth show and then we offer 10 $1,000 scholarships to seniors who are graduating each year,” said Jennifer.
Jennifer says like clockwork each last Saturday in April, the group sets out to host the dinner and auction fundraiser.
She says the real need currently are items for the auction block.
“We take donations for live and silent auctions. They can range anywhere from small donations to large donations. People can also give monetary donations to the event as well,” said Jennifer. “People have donated custom made tables, benches, canoes, small items like an assortment of towels and nice little basket, liquor, custom made signs,” said Jennifer.
Blake adds to Jennifer’s list by saying that over the years, the foundation has welcomed a real mixture of prizes. He says often times, folks even give up a ticket or two from their own personal season passes to help support the cause.
“We’ve had game jerseys that are signed by the players like the Spurs and Dallas Cowboys. We’ve had autographed guitars donated that have sold in the live auction. The silent auction items being like they’ll put together an A&M basket or something that has maybe a shirt or a hat and we’ve had movie night baskets where they have movies in there, soda water and some snacks. We’ve had trips to the coast. We’ve had Spurs tickets, hog hunts, guided fishing trips,” said Blake.
Blake says the auction part of the fundraiser is what raises 90 percent of the money — money that goes directly into the hands of kids.
“It’s a thing that donates back to the community and the kids are our future and that’s what we thought as we lost a child and we lost Tristan, lost my mom but then we thought ‘what can we do to help the community and keep their memory alive?’ So, we did this to kind of help other kids. We’ve got to put our effort into the kids to where they will be better leaders of tomorrow and if you can help them in a scholarship to get them to go to college or help them with their animal projects that they do and then we get them to go to college, then they’ll be better leaders and that’s what we are doing this for,” said Blake.
Not only are the Bertlings looking for live and silent auction items, but Blake says they are also encouraging folks to become a $1,500 table sponsor.
“It gets 10 tickets. It comes with a ribeye steak dinner, unlimited drinks all night and then you get a charcuterie board with your logo. You get a plaque stating that you are a sponsor and then we try to give you as much advertising as we can give online through the foundation and wherever else we can promote it and we’ll put up banners at the fundraiser too,” said Blake.
Auction items will continue to be accepted up until the day of the event on April 30. Donations may be dropped off at Bertling Equipment Rental located 851 Interstate 10. Those wishing to donate may also call 830-372-2610.