This year’s Prairie Warrior Auction, an event held to support squadrons at Minot Air Force Base, raised a record-breaking total of $87,898.55, according to the Minot Area Chamber EDC.

The auction was held March 16 at the Grand Hotel in Minot. The funds come from a combination of live auction, silent auction, VIP table sales, raffle games and cash donations.

“The 36th Annual Prairie Warrior Auction was a huge success this year, setting records in both attendance and dollars raised for Team Minot,” said Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, military liaison for the Minot Area Chamber EDC. “We were thrilled to see our community come together to support the hardworking men and women at Minot Air Force Base.”

Proceeds from the event will be used to help squadrons at Minot AFB finance events, meals and other morale-boosting activities aimed at improving day-to-day life.

“You could feel the auction was going to break records this year with the amount of energy and excitement at the event. Businesses and individuals really stepped up their game to help the men and women who serve our country,” said Tom Rafferty, chair of the Minot Area Chamber EDC Military Affairs Committee. Rafferty said many people contributed to the event, including airmen who crafted unique military-inspired items and volunteered their time.”

Verendrye Electric Cooperative was the Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 Prairie Warrior Auction.

“We are extremely proud of service the airmen at the base provide to our country,” said Randy Hauck, general manager of Verendrye Electric Cooperative. “When we were approached to be the Presenting Sponsor for the Prairie Warrior Auction, it was an easy decision for our Board of Directors.”

In addition, $15,000 of the total funds raised will be directed toward the Home for the Holidays initiative, also known as Operation Bright Holiday.

Hauck said the new program, “Home for the Holidays, “will help pay for airline tickets for first-year airmen to return home during the Christmas season.”