NEWBERRY — Businesses and community will come together in support of the annual Newberry Academy auction slated for 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at the school.

As a precursor to the auction, Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House of Batesburg will be providing a buffet-style meal for all of those in attendance beginning at 5 p.m.

As a staple event every winter in the Newberry community, the auction features numerous items from local businesses and vendors as well as private donations from many individuals in the community. The items are to be sold via live auction, silent auction, and there is even a portion for the children with a silent auction of nothing but toys and fun materials.

The annual auction has raised a substantial amount of money for Newberry Academy over the 24 years that it has been in existence. First-year Head of School Brian Fitzgerald is experiencing the preparations for the auction for the first time, but realizes that all of the hard work pays off in more ways than just monetary.

“One of the fundamental aspects of a great independent school is the fostering of close working and family relationships, and watching all of our families come together in such focused support of our school is a true testament to that being a defining facet of Newberry Academy,” said Fitzgerald.

He also realizes the many new families that are in their first year at the school will provide additional resources that will continue to grow the event.

“There is such great energy around the school right now and subsequently surrounding the auction; it has resulted in some really great items and packages being donated, so I truly feel that anyone who attends our event next Saturday will be able to really come away with what they want at a great price,” Fitzgerald said.