Annual Athletic Auction revs up to fund scholarships
The auction will be held Saturday, April 11 at 6 p.m., in the Centennial Center.
The athletic auction first began in 1998, and it raises money for student-athlete scholarships. The students who receive these scholarships achieve the highest standards in the classroom as well as on the field.
Senior Cross Country runner, Sarah Hakala is very appreciative of the auction for providing her with a scholarship.
“The money (from the auction) has been a great financial help for me during college,” Hakala said. “Instead of having to worry about money or spend time working, I’ve had time to run, and running cross country has been one of the best experiences from college. I appreciate the auction and whoever sponsors the scholarship because it really helps to decrease financial burden.”
This year also marks a first for the auction. The athletic department is partnering with four Milledgeville businessmen to form the first Athletic Auction Committee. The four businessmen include Ted Smith of Arcilla Mining & Land Company, David Grant of James M. Grant, CPA PC, Jimmy Roberts of J.R. Management, LLC and Gus Pursley III of Fowler Flemister Concrete. These men have been chosen due to the support they have contributed to the school’s athletic department. Having the support of these businessmen who are well-known throughout the community will hopefully help to increase the turnout at the auction.
Over the past ten years the auction has raised an incredible amount of money, and the more money raised the more scholarships the athletic department can give. This year’s auction is hoping to raise just as much if not more than the previous years.
Several Milledgeville businesses donate their products and services for people to bid on at the auction. Some of the items available to bid on at this year’s auction include a new set of tires, specially prepared dinners and even dinner with GCSU’s President, Dorothy Leland.
Despite the state of the economy, Sports Information Director Al Weston is looking forward to another auction.
“The annual athletic auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds going to the best cause, our student-athletes,” said Weston. “The money raised from this event has typically been between $35,000 and $40,000. We know the economy is down, so this year’s auction has become all the more important.”
According to a university press release, tickets are available at the athletics office in the Centennial Center or by contacting the athletics department at (478) 445-634. Tickets may also be purchased directly from any GCSU Athletics staff member or auction committee member.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Apr 3 2009. Filed under News.
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