The recent Rogers State University Foundation Scholarship Auction and Dinner raised a record $115,000. Proceeds from the auction will be used to fund RSU scholarships for students at the Bartlesville, Claremore and Pryor campuses.
The event, called “Saddle Up For Scholarships,” was held last month on the lawn of the RSU Claremore campus. The western-themed event featured live and silent auctions, dinner provided by Billy Sims BBQ and musical entertainment from Camille and Haley Harris.
The evening was emceed by News on 6 anchor Lori Fullbright. “As a girl from a small town who relied on scholarships to get me through college, I appreciate how important they are for making students’ dreams come true,” Fullbright said. “That’s why I am so honored to be a part of the RSU event!”
One of the highlights of the evening was a raffle for a 2014 Ford Mustang donated anonymously by an RSU benefactor. The winning ticket, valued at $25,485, was held by Glenn and Veronica “Ronnie” Cox of Bartlesville. The former President and COO of Phillips Petroleum, Glenn Cox also served on the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for Higher Education from 1990 until 1995.
Playhouse designed, constructed and contributed by Parks Portable Buildings of Chelsea
The auction item that drew plenty of interest was a playhouse designed, constructed and contributed by Parks Portable Buildings of Chelsea. The 12-foot by 12-foot building is insulated and wired for electricity and constructed using treated lumber. The playhouse was one of the top-selling items in the auction and sold for $4,000.
The real winners, according to auction organizers, are current and future RSU students. “We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of our donors,” RSU Foundation Board of Directors Chairwoman Martha Blackburn said. “The money we raised will go directly to helping students earn their degree at RSU.” Blackburn also serves as the chairman of the Saddle Up for Scholarships committee.
Dozens of area companies and individuals donated auction items and made contributions to make the evening possible. Jack and Bobbye Mooney were the Presenting Sponsors. Pelco Structural was the Heritage Sponsor. Distinguished Sponsors were Friends of RSU, Key Construction, RCB Bank, Williams Construction. Jack Kissee Ford was the Hillcat Sponsor. 27 other businesses and organizations were table sponsors.
Throughout the past 10 years, the auction has helped raise nearly $600,000 for scholarships that would not be possible without continued support from area businesses, industries and individual sponsors.
For more information, contact Tonni Harrald, RSU Foundation Director of Annual Giving and Special Events.