SENNETT - At the Auburn Correctional Facility's Recreation and Training Center last week, Tyburn Academy had good food, good wares and great fellowship.

The Catholic school, located in Auburn, held its annual family festival and chicken barbecue fund-raiser at the center. The event included plate lunches fresh off the grill, a silent auction, a puppet show and other entertainment.

“The purpose of this festival is to draw families together. They can enjoy good food, and they can take part in our silent auction, which is put together by the donations of many of our supporters and businesses in Auburn, Skaneateles and the surrounding communities,” said Jeanne Hogan, principal of the academy.

“They support us all year long at our fundraisers, particularly at this one, which is our big spring event to raise money for financial planning,” she added.

The centerpiece of the festival was an enormous silent auction, with merchandise and services donated by local merchants.

A list of the businesses and families that supported the auction was displayed at the center and was dozens of names long.

Several long tables held the auction merchandise, which ranged from gift baskets and gift certificates to sports equipment and electronics.

Supporters included the Liberty Store, Ricky's Restaurant, Finger Lakes Photography, Borders Books and Music, Advantage Auto Parts and many others. A large number of families also contributed items to the sale.

Mary Ann Sabine, a member of Tyburn Academy's board of directors, was one of those who oversaw the auction.

“This auction is a big help to our operating expenses, because we don't receive any financial support from the diocese or from the parish,” she said.

“We want to thank the community for supporting us. With their help we can provide students with an education in the Catholic tradition.”

Also on hand at the festival was Maureen Angotti, who along with her children was there to enjoy the barbecue and take part in the auction.

“I'll just say there's a whole lot of Father's Day stuff ... but don't tell my husband,” Angotti joked.

Upcoming fund-raising events sponsored by Tyburn Academy include its annual Sports Banquet, which features Syracuse University basketball coach Jim Boeheim and is held at the beginning of the school year and various functions at the Springside Inn.