SIUE’s 2017 Red & Black Gala Highly Successful
The generosity and support for SIUE Athletics at the second annual Red & Black Gala was on display as revenue generated for the event was more than $146,000 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Collinsville-St. Louis in early April.
“Our development staff led by Deputy Athletic Director Jason Coomer amazed me with their results,” said SIUE Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Hewitt. “What a great second year for the Gala. Our friends, donors and corporate partners also overwhelm me with their passion and support of Cougar Athletics.
“I am so thankful not only for the increased turnout, but also for the increased generosity from all. I can't compliment the entire staff enough for their hard work - as coaches, administrators and staff are all engaged in making this a great success.”
The Red & Black Gala, presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national law firm, is an annual fundraising event for SIUE Athletics. The proceeds go directly to support Cougar scholarship needs.
“Special thanks to KSDK personality Rene Knott for making the evening a special event as our guest auctioneer,” Hewitt said. “The event would not have been as successful without Rene’s talent and generosity.”
Among live auction, silent auction and fund the need donations, more than $82,500 was raised. Ticket sales and the generous sponsorships accounted for the rest of the funds.
Over 300 tickets were purchased for the evening. Featured speakers included: former SIUE wrestler and SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer Alan Grammer, long-time friend of the program and SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer John Simmons, Chancellor Randy Pembrook, as well as Hewitt. SIUE student-athlete Mia Frogner, member of the back-to-back OVC champion women’s tennis team, spoke on behalf of all the current SIUE student-athletes.
Along title sponsor Simmons Hanly Conroy, major sponsors included:
Platinum Level: Commerce Bank and World Wide Technology
Gold Level: Fireside Financial
Red & Black Level: Gori Julian & Associates, Scheffel Boyle, CPA, The Bank of Edwardsville, NEVCO, Edward Jones and Bank of Springfield
Hospitality / Food and Beverage Sponsors: DoubleTree by Hilton Collinsville-St. Louis, Donnewald Distributing, Market Basket, Mike Shannon's Grill, Pepsi Co., Bull & Bear Grill & Bar, A Wildflower Shop and The Cup.
