RSU Foundation Scholarship Auction and Dinner Returns Nov. 9

The Rogers State University Foundation's largest fundraising event of the year returns this November, with the annual auction and dinner.

Dubbed the "Red and Navy Royale Auction and Dinner" in recognition of RSU's colors, the scholarship auction and dinner includes an evening of entertainment, a steak dinner, and silent and live auctions to raise money to benefit scholarships and academic programs for university students. This year's event is slated for 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in the Sequoyah Ballroom at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa. Individual tickets and tables are still available, but reservations are filling up quickly.

KOTV Chief Meteorologist Travis Meyer returns as master of ceremonies for this year's event, with local personality Rick Reimer also returning as auctioneer.

According to RSU Senior Director of Development Tonni Harrald, sponsorships for the event have been "going well and picking up as the event draws closer," but - as this is the Foundation's biggest scholarship fundraiser of the year - every sponsorship matters.

"Our goal for this year is to raise $200,000 for scholarships, which may sound ambitious, but we hope we'll be able to achieve that this year, as these sponsorships go to a very worthy cause," she said. "Without the support of our donors, alumni, employees, community members, companies and individuals, this event wouldn't be nearly as successful as it is, and we cannot emphasize enough how much we appreciate that continued support. Literally every dollar makes a difference."

Sponsorship opportunities are available at several tiers: "I'm All In" - $15,000, "High Roller" - $10,000, "Lady Luck" - $5,000, "Jackpot" - $2,500, "Red Spin" - $1,500, and "Free Spin" - $1,000.

This year's presenting sponsors are Tom Giles and Fonda Ryan, with other sponsors as follows: Cherokee Nation, Saint Francis Health System, Beck Design, and RCB Bank ("High Roller" sponsors); Tim and Julie King, and Bob and Cathy Webster ("Lady Luck" sponsors); Kemp Quarries, Inc., MidAmerica Industrial Park, Trust Company of Oklahoma, Baker Hughes, Community Home Health, Lindel and Janette Stephens, and McBride and McBride - Lawyers of Oklahoma ("Jackpot" sponsors); Hillcrest Hospital - Claremore and Utica Park Clinic, Tulsa Community College, Key Construction, BancFirst, GRDA, Jack Kissee Ford, Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni Association, Lou Flanagan and Susan Kirtley, David and Lisa Surritte, and the Ingersoll Family ("Red Spin" sponsors); Steve and Janet Valencia, Ron Bussert, Dr. R. Mark Rasor, MidAmerica Industrial Park, RSU Athletics, Ascension St. John - Jane Phillips, RSU Alumni Association, and Whitney Hocutt - OklaHomes Realtor ("Free Spin" sponsors).

Important contributors to this year's event include Edith Chupp, Todd and Donna Jackson, Dr. Larry Rice, Kay Ingersoll, Don and Brenda Brown, and Megan Rhine Consulting.

Although the Foundation is currently soliciting items for this year's auction, early items donated include a VIP ticket/hotel package for two people to see the Eagles in concert at The Sphere in Las Vegas Feb. 14, 2025; a Zack Bryan concert package which includes two premier tickets; a luxury package, which includes designer handbags, jewelry, apparel and more; two tickets to the OU/Alabama football game Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman; a dinner at the RSU president's residence; a premier guided duck hunt for four, hosted by Don and Brenda Brown; and a holiday spectacular package which includes three guests experiencing the magic of Christmas on a helicopter tour of holiday lights on the "Santa Route" in the Tulsa area, two floor seat tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra, two tickets to the Nutcracker, dinner for two at Hemingway's, Christmas lights on your home for this holiday season, and a professionally decorated Christmas tree. Dr. Donita Smith, a graduate of Rogers State College, will serve as Auction Committee Chair once again in 2024.

"We've got some truly impressive auction items this year, and we fully expect more to be coming in soon, so we're very excited - and appreciative - for these, and the generosity of those who donated these items," Harrald said. "As I said, this (event) would not be possible without the support of so many people - our sponsors, local businesses, industries, groups, and individuals, our scholarship committee, our Foundation Board (of Directors), and so many others. We deeply appreciate everyone's participation and support in helping to make this a successful event - one which will help make a difference in the lives of RSU students who are the beneficiaries of scholarships."

For more information about the Red and Navy Royale Auction and Dinner or to inquire about reservations, contact Tonni Harrald at 918-343-7767 or [email protected], or Steve Valencia at 918-343-7780 or [email protected].

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