St. John Neumann Regional Academy in Palmerton hosted its yearly basket auction over the weekend to raise funds for the school.

The event featured 152 baskets and gift cards, as well as a kitchen serving up barbecues, hot dogs, French fries, and delicious homemade baked goods, and more.

Carolyn Yaroszeufski of Lehighton was just one of the many people taking a chance at winning things like dog care baskets, wine baskets, snack baskets, crafts, as well as gift cards to area businesses.

“Me and my sisters, we all love these auctions,” she exclaimed. “This is our thing.”

The money raised goes to a good cause, according to Dr. Christopher Heery, principal at St. John Neumann.

“This fundraiser is going to help with tuition for the parents who are struggling,” Heery explained. “Keeping the tuition down; I think we have one of the lowest tuitions around in the area, and we’re trying to keep it that way.”

St. John Neumann operates two schools. The school in Slatington just started a preschool this year, and holds pre-K through 2nd grade. The school in Palmerton teaches grades 3 to 8.

Enrollment is up 20% this year compared to last year.

“We give a great education, we’ve remained one of the highest academic schools last year,” Dr. Heery explained. “We hope that people notice that we’re here, notice that we’re still thriving, and hope to send their children here.”