“Safari Adventure: Roar of the Wild” is the theme of the fourth annual Rogers State University Foundation Scholarship Auction and Dinner, which will feature a festive evening of food and music, a chance to win a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida and the opportunity 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 25, 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 $25 per person or $200 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 Tonni Harrald, RSU director of development and organizer of the event. “But more importantly, we will be raising much-needed scholarship funds for deserving students.”
A highlight of the evening will be a chance to win $5,000 or a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, valued at $5,000. Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased by calling the RSU Office of Development at (918) 343-7768. The winner will be announced at the auction.
Presenting sponsors of the event are Jack and Bobbye Mooney of Claremore.
Auctioneer will be Rick Reimer, well-known Claremore auctioneer and director of the Claremore campus of Northeast Technology Centers, who has served as auctioneer during past auctions.
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. Other large-scale live auction items are expected to be added at a later date.
Attendees also will have the opportunity to bid on a trip to Branson, Mo., provided by Bill Harris, member of the RSU Foundation Board of Directors and Oklahoma Military Academy Board of Directors.
In addition, there will be more than 150 items for guests to bid on at the silent auction tables, Harrald said. Silent auction items will include jewelry, gift baskets, certificates for fine dining, artwork, certificates for services and other gifts provided by area businesses and individuals.
Auction items may be contributed to the RSU Foundation for the auction. Those interested in making tax-deductible contributions to the auction should contact the RSU Office of Development.
Attendees also may participate in the “Safari Adventure” table decorating contest. For more information, contact the RSU Foundation.
Doors will open and silent auction bidding will begin at 6 p.m., a dinner buffet and beverages will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the live auction will begin at approximately 8 p.m. A cash bar also will be available.
Members of the 2008 “Roar of the Wild” Safari Committee include Harrald, Dr. Danette Boyle, Stephany Foutch, Kathy Hopper, Bobbye Mooney, Cindy Rickard, Richard Lundy, Bob McKinney, Tracey Dean, Heather Issacs, Carlene Webber, Lyndse Tatum, Jim Harrison, Becky Baker and Helen Stratton.
Reservations must be made by April 23. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the RSU Foundation at (918) 343-7768. Tickets to the auction and Disney trip also may be purchased at Emily’s Playhouse in Claremore.