The Rogers State University Foundation’s annual scholarship auction brought in a record-breaking $200,450, which will provide educational opportunities for deserving students at all three RSU campuses. Pelco Structural, LLC served as the presenting sponsor for this year’s auction.
Since 2005, this annual scholarship event has raised more than $1 million in net proceeds for scholarships, designated for students who attend the Bartlesville, Claremore and Pryor campuses.
“This milestone for RSU students is a result of a dedicated RSU Foundation Board, the annual Auction Committee, and generous individuals and area businesses who provide sponsorships, and amazing items to be auctioned off each and every year. They, along with those who purchase the items, are truly the backbone of this event,” said Tonni Harrald, RSU senior director of development.
The “Saddle Up For Scholarships” event, held April 27 at the Will Rogers Downs Event Center, drew more than 500 guests. Rick Reimer once again served as auctioneer, with Kristen Glover-Galyean and Jared Glover serving as emcees. Event entertainment was provided by The Fox and Hounds.
Winners of the $10,000 cash raffle included Senator and Mrs. Marty Quinn, Bob Sherrer, Susan Kirtley, Audrey Webber, Jamie Schoenthaler, Joan Sherwood and Terry Spencer.
“In the true spirit of giving and helping our students, several winners donated their winnings back to the RSU Foundation Unrestricted Scholarship Program.
In addition to Pelco LLC as the presenting sponsor, additional sponsors included:
Broncs & Bulls Sponsors: Bob and Cathy Webster, and Williams Construction of Pryor
Chaps & Hats Sponsors: BancFirst, Community Home Health, Tom Giles and Fonda Ryan, Nash and Dana Lamb, Pryor Stone, The Trust Company of Oklahoma, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs.
Red Dirt Rangers Sponsors: Bank of Commerce-Catoosa, Bartlesville Hillcats, Don and Brenda Brown, Dr. J.C. Bryson and Kenny and Tonni Harrald, CIEDA, Cat Spot, Mayor and Mrs. Bill Flanagan, Flawless Smile Dentistry, Grand Bank, Hays and Suzanne Gilstrap, Edward Jones-Nick Harris Financial Advisor, Hillcrest Hospital-Claremore, HydroHoist Marine Group, Win and Kay Ingersoll, Leroy Johnson, Jack Kissee Ford, Jim Glover Auto Family, Magic Dry, McDonald’s on Lynn Riggs, MidAmerica Industrial Park, Jack and Bobbye Mooney, Oklahoma Military Alumni Association, People Source Staffing Professionals, Maynard and Debra Phillips, RCB Bank-RCB Bank Trust, RCI Insurance & Beggs Pharmacy, Hillcat Athletics, RSU TV, SERVPRO-Brad Peixotto, Bob and Ginny Sherrer, Solid Rock Realtors & Solid Rock Realtors Prime, Jack and Mary Lee Spinks, SUMMIT Physical Therapy, Dr. Steve Hardage & Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center, Cherokee Nation-Janees Taylor Tribal Council Member, Tulsa Pier Drilling, Walmart Supply Chain, and Carlene Webber & Susan Kirtley
Other important contributors to the event included Regent and Mrs Phil Albert, Steven and Kay Burrus, Laurence and Dana Craigie, Don Eagleton, Janice Ferris, Jim and Debbie Glover, Scott and Tammy Grauer, Milford and Jane Harp, Steve and Stephanie Harrison, HEMSAW, Dr. Heidi Hoskinson, Dr. Jane Johansson, Gwen Johnson, Julie Thomas and Tim King, Pat Lane, Ron and Meredith Lessley, Luther and Judy Martin, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Mosier, ONEGAS, ONEOK, Pixley Lumber Company, Senator and Mrs. Marty Quinn, Dr. and Mrs. Larry Rice, Jim and Cindy Rickard, Janice Riff, Dean and Jean Robertson, Jerry and Michelle Schivally, Derek and Lisa Sien, Gary and Denita Shamel, Source One, Terry and Ginger Spencer, TCC Foundation, Scott and Angie Thompson, Terra Nitrogen, Tom and Andrea Volturo, and Mick and Audrey Webber.
For more information on supporting scholarships for RSU students, please contact Tonni Harrald with the RSU Office of Development at 918-343-7767.