The Rogers State University Foundation is preparing for one of its most anticipated events of the year, the annual Foundation Scholarship Auction and Dinner, presented this year by Saint Francis Health System.
Slated for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Sequoyah Ballroom at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa, the scholarship auction and dinner is the Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, with proceeds going directly to provide scholarships for students attending RSU and to support university initiatives that directly impact the success of RSU students.
This event would not be possible without the support of donors, alumni, employees, local community members and companies. Locally, RCB Bank is serving as the event’s Graduate Sponsor.
“Sponsorships for this year’s auction and dinner have been going extremely well,” said Tonni Harrald, senior director of development. “Area businesses and individuals are stepping forward with sponsorships, and with a wide variety of wonderful items for the live and silent auctions. We are still seeking additional sponsorships and (auction) items for the evening.”
Hundreds of alumni, employees, friends and advocates for the university are expected to attend this special event, which will include an evening of live entertainment, a steak dinner, and both a silent and live auction. Based on early sales, Foundation officials said the event is expected to be a sellout.
“We have several unique items on the auction block this year, with several more still coming in,” Harrald said.
Live auction items this year include a custom RSU fire pit provided by Blue Arc Metal Specialties; trips to Greece, Tuscany, and the Kentucky Derby; a Red River Condo stay; one week in Park City, Utah; a duck hunt for four; a deer hunt for two on Robson Ranch; a professionally decorated Christmas tree; a one-ounce American Eagle gold coin; and numerous other unique items.
Silent auction items include certificates for golf outings; dining in the area; in-office teeth-whitening; RSU items; adorable Christmas apparel; African art sculptures; a children’s bike; Kendra Scott jewelry; beautiful hand-crafted quilts; a Vera Bradley tote; hanging lantern; Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park passes; works by local artists; and much more.
Sponsorships range from $800, which includes a table for eight guests, up to $10,000.
Senior Sponsors include Bob and Cathy Webster, Tom J. Giles and Fonda Ryan, Tim and Julie King, Diversified Systems Resources (DSR), and Trust Company of Oklahoma.
The Junior Sponsors include Solid Rock Realtors, Nick Harris – Edward Jones, Clear Title and Closings, Sooner Flooring and Design, Ron and Meredith Lessley, and MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor.
The group of Sophomore Sponsors include the Ingersoll Family, Kemp Quarries, Key Construction, Walmart Supply Chain, Tulsa Community College Foundation, Jack Kissee Ford, Williams Construction Company, BancFirst, and CF Industries.
Freshman Sponsors include Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni Association, RSU Alumni Association, President Larry Rice and Peggy, Steve and Janet Valencia, Whitney Hocutt Real Estate, Enchantments & Oddities of Owasso, Joe Jones – Jones Financial Solutions, McBride & McBride – Lawyers of Oklahoma, RSU Athletics, Dr. Jonathan Brewer and Dr. Donita Smith, Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilors Joe Deere and Keith Austin, Overhead Door – Commercial, and Kenny and Tonni Harrald.
Important contributors include Dave and Mary Faulkner, Ronald and Sally Scott, and Mrs. Edith Chupp.
The RSU Foundation Scholarship Auction and Dinner will be held in the Sequoyah Ballroom at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Attendees should RSVP no later than Nov. 10. Individual Reservations are $100 per person, with tables for eight beginning at $800.
For more information, to make reservations to attend, or to inquire about sponsorship, contact Tonni Harrald at 918-343-7767 or [email protected], or Steve Valencia at 918-343-7780 or [email protected].