From a museum-framed Mantle and DiMaggio commemorative photo, to a hand-print quilt of O'Neal Pre-K students to a trip to West Palm Beach -- there was something for everyone at The O'Neal School annual auction. After a year of planning, and many hours of labor, parent volunteers and O'Neal staff hosted its annual auction on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst.

The theme of the evening was "O'Neal Celebrates 35."

In a sense, the auction served as a large birthday party for The O'Neal School and its existence in the community, providing a college preparatory education for the past 35 years.

The annual auction nets more than $100,000, which is utilized for financial aid, faculty salaries and student programs.

Mr. and Mrs. Chip Hasty were this year's auction chairs, and Mr. and Mrs. Ted Taws were the honorary chairs. Chip Hasty serves as the chairman of the O'Neal board of trustees. Chip's wife, Dawn, has been a longtime devoted volunteer at the school, as the last of their five children are current students.

Mr. and Mrs. Taws and their family have been instrumental in the creation and development of The O'Neal School. Ted Taws is the founding chairman of the board of trustees.

Over 500 items were on the block for the silent auction. Categories included: antiques, arts and collectibles; around the house and yard; fabulous food, travel and entertainment; for him/for her; golf; youth, pottery, sports; faculty and student fun and the Alumni Corner.

The live auction had 17 entries, including beach vacations, a wine collection, club level seats to any home Carolina Panthers game (with transportation provided by Executive Limousine), personal dinners by gourmet chefs, a trip to the ESPY Awards Celebration in Hollywood, a trip to an American Idol Concert with backstage passes, a diamond necklace, an ACC Tournament package and more.

Most of the items in the silent auction were donations from parents and other members of the O'Neal family as well as businesses in the community. The board of trustees provides live auction items.

In addition to the auction, a raffle for $10,000 was conducted as well as a jewelry raffle. Guests were also treated to a gourmet dinner by Elliott's on Linden.

"The O'Neal School has held an annual auction for the past 30 years," says Mary Ann Salemme, assistant director of institutional advancement and auction event coordinator. "Each year, more and more of The O'Neal School family and people in the community attend. The teamwork, diligence and creativity of our many volunteers continue to make this event successful."

An independent college preparatory school for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, The O'Neal School is celebrating 35 years of dedication to the development of academic excellence, strength of character, and physical well-being of its students.

For more information about The O'Neal School, contact Alice Droppers, director of admissions at 910-692-6920 or visit www.OnealSchool.org.