Picture yourself on a sailing excursion off the coast of North Carolina, cheering the drivers at a NASCAR event in Texas or participating in a guided deer hunt on an exclusive ranch. Those are just a few of the unique auction items available at the second annual Rogers State University Scholarship Auction on Friday, April 7. A new 2006 Chevrolet Equinox LS also will be given away at the auction.
“Game Day 2006” is the theme of this year’s auction and dinner, which will begin at 6 p.m. at the Claremore Expo Center. The cost is $15 per person, $25 per couple or $100 for a table of eight and includes dinner, drinks and entertainment. All proceeds from the event, sponsored by the RSU Foundation, will provide scholarships for RSU students.
Jack Bunds, sports anchor at KTUL Channel 8, will serve as the emcee for the evening.
“The auction is 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.”
The athletic theme of this year’s event was inspired by the recent selection of the university’s new mascot, the “Hillcat.”
Event sponsors and those who purchase a table of eight will be eligible to enter the table decorating contest. Participants will be judged on their tables, which must feature a sports-related theme. Prizes will be awarded.
More than 500 guests are expected to attend the event this year, Boyle said. Guests may bid on more than 150 unique silent auction items and up to 25 live auction items at the event.
This year’s live auction items will feature a three-day sailing excursion for four people off the coast of North Carolina, donated by Captain Les and Susanne 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 Hydro Port 2 personal watercraft docking platform donated by HydroHoist, a guided deer hunt in Craig County donated by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Robson and a five-day stay at a private condominium in Angel Fire, N.M., donated by Dr. and Mrs. Jim Pritchard.
In addition, guests will be able to bid on four tickets to two NASCAR racing events at the Texas Motor Speedway in Forth Worth, Tex., in June, donated by the Texas Motor Speedway. Hotel accommodations are included.
Other auction items will include a football autographed by three OU Heisman trophy recipients, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lewis; an original oil painting by Native American artist Bill Rabbit of Pryor, donated by the artist; and a piece of work by RSU art professor Gary Moeller.
Auction items, which may include golf outings, items for the home or personal services such as day spa packages or dinners, may be donated to the RSU Foundation for the auction. Those interested in making tax-deductible contributions to the auction may call the foundation at (918) 343-7773.
A highlight of the evening will be a drawing for a new 2006 Chevrolet Equinox LS, courtesy of Keystone Chevrolet in Sand Springs and the RSU Foundation. The foundation is selling 300 tickets at $100 each for an opportunity to win the sports utility vehicle. To purchase a ticket, call the RSU Foundation. The winner will be announced at the auction.
The auction also will feature a dinner buffet and drinks, including beer and wine, provided by the RSU catering service, included in the cost of attending the event. A cash bar also will be available.
Doors will open and silent auction bidding will begin at 6 p.m., a tailgate buffet will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the live auction begins at approximately 8 p.m. Dancing will follow dinner with music provided by All Access DJs of Tulsa.
Members of the RSU Scholarship Auction planning committee include Jim Harrison, Dana Lamb, Janice Trickett, Richard Lundy, Jack Spinks, Michael Henry, Bobbye Mooney, Cindy Mooney, Carlene Webber, Lisa Kissee, Bob McKinney, Jerry Ragsdale, and RSU staff members Kim Webber, Dr. Danette Boyle and Tonni Harrald, who is serving as overall coordinator for the event.
Sponsors of the event, or VIP “Game Day RSU” Team Captains (to date), at the All-Star Level of $1,000, include RCB Bank, Claremore Regional Hospital, Reasor’s and Wal-Mart of Claremore. Hillcat sponsors, at the level of $500, include Rogers County Abstract, Jack and Mary Lee Spinks, Jack Kissee Ford, Grand Bank, J & J Pharmacy and Gifts, Jim and Verona Swank, Tarby, Inc., Rob and Kim Webber, Tedford Insurance, Ann’s Cleaners and AT&T.
Reservations must be made by Monday, April 3. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the RSU Foundation at (918) 343-7773.