“Fiesta!” is the theme of the third annual Rogers State University Scholarship Auction and Dinner, which will offer revelers an opportunity to enjoy a feast of Mexican cuisine, music by the band Mariachi Tulsa and a chance to bid on a variety of unique live and silent auction items, ranging in value from five to several thousand dollars. The auction, which is open to the public, will be held during the evening of Friday, April 13, at the Claremore Expo Center.
All proceeds from the event, sponsored by the RSU Foundation, will provide scholarships for RSU students. The cost to attend the auction is $20 per person, $35 per couple or $140 for a table of eight and includes dinner, drinks and entertainment.
“The scholarship auction has become one of the premier social and philanthropic events in the Claremore area,” said Dr. Danette Boyle, RSU vice president for development. “Most importantly, we will be raising much-needed scholarship funds for deserving students.”
A highlight of the evening will be a drawing for a new 2007 Ford Ranger truck, provided by North Point Ford of Pryor and the RSU Foundation. The foundation is selling 300 tickets for an opportunity to win the truck. Tickets are $100 each and may be purchased by calling the RSU Office of Development at (918) 343-7767 or (918) 343-7768. The winner will be announced at the auction.
This year’s live auction items, as of press time, include a three-day sailing excursion for four people off the coast of North Carolina, donated by Captain Les and Suzanne Pendleton and Jim and Kay Harrison of Pryor. An experienced sailing crew will accompany the highest bidding party on a 43-foot sailboat on the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, visiting New Bern, Oriental and Beaufort, N.C. The package includes airfare for two people.
Live auction items also will include a one-year membership at Arrowhead Yacht Club and Marina, courtesy of Arrowhead; a HyrdoPort2 (HP2) personal watercraft platform, contributed by HydroHoist International of Claremore; and an opportunity to hunt at one of the premier hunting spots in northeast Oklahoma, a 420-acre ranch in Craig County during the 2007 rifle season, provided by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Robson.
In addition, there will be more than 150 items for guests to bid on at the silent auction tables, said Tonni Harrald, RSU director of development. Silent auction items will include jewelry, gift baskets, certificates for fine dining, artwork, certificates for services and other gifts donated by area businesses and individuals.
“Last year’s attendance was 439 people and we hope to attract more than 500 ‘amigos’ to this year’s event,” Harrald said.
Auction items may be donated to the RSU Foundation for the auction. Those interested in making tax-deductible contributions to the auction should contact the RSU Office of Development.
Doors will open and silent auction bidding will begin at 5:30 p.m., a Mexican dinner buffet and festive beverages will be served at 6:15 p.m. and the live auction will begin at approximately 8 p.m. A cash bar also will be available.
In addition to Mariachi Tulsa, the new RSU Jazz Band will perform during the evening, providing guests with the opportunity to hear the university’s first musical ensemble.
Sponsors of the event, to date, include Wal-Mart of Claremore, RCB Bank, ConocoPhillips, Jack and Bobbye Mooney, AT&T, Emily’s Playhouse, HydroHoist International, Inc., Claremore Regional Hospital, J.D. Basler, First Bank Oklahoma, Jack and Mary Lee Spinks, Jack Kissee Ford, J&J Pharmacy and Rogers County Abstract.
Reservations must be made by Monday, April 9. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the RSU Foundation at (918) 343-7773.