An event 50 years in the making is coming this November.
Dubbed “The Golden Gala” in honor of the RSU Foundation’s 50th anniversary, Rogers State University’s scholarship auction and dinner is the organization’s biggest fundraiser, with proceeds benefitting students through scholarships and university initiatives that also impact the success of RSU students. The event will take place Thursday evening, Nov. 9, in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino’s Sequoyah Ballroom in Catoosa.
This annual event is made possible through the support of donors, alumni, employees, community members, companies, and others. RCB Bank Trust and Wealth Management will be serving as this year’s Presenting Sponsor.
“Sponsorships have been going extremely well, in fact, they’re higher than they’ve ever been this year,” said Tonni Harrald, senior director of development. “Our goal this year has been to raise $100,000 in sponsorships and we’re right at that goal.”
Harrald said the funds raised thus far, and yet to be raised, from this event reflect the community of supporters built by the Foundation – a community that recognizes the importance of attending Rogers State University and the value that an RSU education offers its students.
More than 400 alumni, friends and RSU supporters from near and far will be treated to an evening of live entertainment, a steak dinner, and a live and silent auction, with all monies raised benefiting scholarships and academic programs at RSU.
Live entertainment this year will be provided by Blue Seven Jazz and Grady Nichols.
Serving as this year’s master of ceremonies will be a face familiar to most in the region.
“We’re very excited to announce that our master of ceremonies this year will be local meteorologist Travis Meyer,” Harrald said. “Travis is well known to everyone in the area, and he will no doubt make a perfect emcee for the evening. Returning as auctioneer this year will be audience-favorite Rick Reimer.
“We truly have something for everyone in the auction, with items valued from $25 to nearly $7,000,” she said. “Auction items featured this year are travel experiences in the U.S. and abroad, including a trip to Paris and Rome, hunting experiences, jewelry, designer handbags, golf outings at area golf courses, dining in many local restaurants, certificates to local boutiques and downtown Claremore stores, home improvement items, sports memorabilia, collectible items, including a $50 American Eagle Gold Coin, silver coins and even a collection of vintage toys from the 1960s.
“Excitement surrounding this year’s event at the Hard Rock is contagious,” she said.
Sponsorships are still available, as are an extremely limited number of seats and tables.
Golden Gala sponsors include Legacy Patrons, Tom Giles and Fonda Ryan; Presenting Sponsor, RCB Bank and RCB Trust and Wealth Management; and Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilors, Joe Deere, Danny Callison, Kevin Easley, Jr., Dora Patzkowski, and Melvina Shotpouch.
Additional sponsors include Don and Brenda Brown, Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, Bob and Cathy Webster, Trust Company of Oklahoma, MidAmerica Industrial Park, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tim and Julie King, Kemp Quarries, Inc., GRDA, Baker Hughes, McBride and McBride – Lawyers of Oklahoma, Ron and Meredith Lessley, Solid Rock Realty, Sooner Flooring, Clear Title and Closings, Petra Insurance, Nick Harris – Edward Jones, TCC Foundation, Kay Ingersoll, Lou Flanagan and Susan Kirtley, BancFirst, OMA Alumni Association and OMA Museum, Jack Kissee Ford, CF Industries, Key Construction, Community Home Health, Dave and Mary Faulkner, Tim and Carla Harris, Dr. Donita Smith and Dr. Jonathan Brewer, Teresa Passmore, Steve and Janet Valencia, Pryor Area Chamber of Commerce, the Webber Family, RSU Alumni Association, RSU Athletics, Whitney Hocutt Realty, Joe Jones Financial Services, Dr. Mark Rasor, Hillcrest Hospital, Utica Park Clinic, City of Claremore, Mark Allen Chevrolet, and Kenny and Tonni Harrald.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many – our sponsors, our local businesses, industries and individuals who have provided a wonderful line up of auction items, our scholarship committee, our Foundation Board of Directors, and a special thank you to RSU alumnus Dr. Donita Smith, who is serving as our Golden Gala Auction Committee Chair,” Harrald said. “We sincerely appreciate her efforts and the efforts of all who have helped prepare for another very successful event.”
For more information about the Golden Gala auction and dinner or to inquire about reservations, contact Tonni Harrald at 918-343-7767 or [email protected] or Steve Valencia at 918-343-7780 or [email protected].