The donation from Mr McKenna, a former student, was announced to a crowd of about 200, who gathered on Tuesday night for the launch of a new public appeal.

The college is seeking donations to fund seats in its new self-funded multi-purpose stadium and auditorium, the Emmanuel Centre.

The Emmanuel Centre Seat Appeal aims to raise $300,000 through $500 donations for 600 retractable seats.

Each seat will have an inscribed metal plaque on the back and principal Peter Morgan hopes the community will get involved.

“We have been shown tremendous support so far," he said.

"But we need community support to get us over the line."

The centre will comprise an auditorium and stage, two sports courts, learning and staffing areas, an industrial kitchen and a centre for design and technology.

“Most importantly for the college it will provide an area where the whole college can gather to recognise, support, and model achievement and where special events and milestones are celebrated,” Mr Morgan said.

The college’s marketing director Jean Christie said some donations had been received before Tuesday night’s official launch.

“I think the community is genuinely excited about the new building,” Ms Christie said.

“Looking to the future we will be able to attract bigger and better events to the area which will benefit the whole community.”

The seat appeal is the public phase of the Emmanuel Centre development which began as a seven-stage masterplan in 2012.

There are 600 seats needing sponsors.

The building is expected to be completed by August and is currently running to schedule.

Donations can be made online and can be paid over two years at www.emmanuelcapitalappeal.com or by contacting the school.