In the auction business, we often measure success by the final bid. But some items create a value that simply can’t be calculated. The story of a puppy named Patrick Norman is a reminder that benefit auctions can create a legacy that lasts for years.
The Beginning: The 2023 Fundraiser
The story started back in 2023 at the St. Patrick Catholic School annual fundraiser in McCook. Our auctioneer, Regina Andrijeski, had the special privilege of selling a very special puppy that night.
The bidding was lively, but the defining moment happened right after the gavel fell. The winning bidders, Norm and Sharon Timmermann, showed incredible generosity. They didn’t take the puppy home; they immediately donated him back to the school to serve as their new support dog and even volunteered to pay for his training. The school community named him Patrick Norman, and his new life began.
One Year Later: The 2024 Reunion
Every year, we look forward to returning to McCook for this fundraiser. But the 2024 auction was extra special for Regina. That was the night she finally got to see Patrick Norman again—grown-up and thriving.
He had just turned one year old a few weeks prior. Getting to reunite with him (and finally getting her picture taken with him!) was a career highlight. It was wonderful to see how completely he had been embraced by the entire school community and how much joy he was bringing to the students.
The Legacy Continues: Looking Back from 2026
This past weekend, we concluded the 2026 annual auction fundraiser for St. Patrick’s. As we celebrated another successful night for the school, it was impossible not to think of how far Patrick Norman has come since he first crossed the auction block in 2023.
In the auction business, we see thousands of lots sell, but Patrick Norman will always stand out. He is one of the most loved and special auction items we have ever had the honor to sell—a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together with generosity.