A press release just sent out, note the date for next year’s event–June 3, 2006…
Athletic Foundation Raises Record $220,000 at Annual Great Gold Rush Auction
Gala Event Surpasses $200,000 For First Time; Secures 13% Increase
Charlotte, N.C. – Charlotte 49ers Athletic Department officials were beaming as the early returns from the 22nd Annual Great Gold Rush Auction filtered in. With the final numbers now in, that exuberance was certainly not misplaced. By raising over $220,000, the Great Gold Rush Auction easily surpassed its goal of $200,000 and posted a 13% increase over last year’s record $194,000. Proceeds from the event go to the 49ers Athletic Scholarship fund.
This marks the first time that the event has surpassed the $200,000 mark, and it did so in grand fashion.
Over 550 people attended the auction, which included an early-evening silent auction followed by dinner and the live auction.
Charlotte 49ers Assistant Director of the Athletic Foundation Kelly Weatherman cited both the extreme generosity of the attendees and contributors as well as the great work of the many volunteers that helped solicit items.
“This event has enjoyed some big numbers in the past, but this is phenomenal,” said Director of Athletics Judy Rose. “The support we continually get from this community is overwhelming. It was truly a memorable evening and one for which we have so many people to thank. Those who donated items, those who attended the function, those who worked behind the scenes to pull it all together. Many, many thanks.”
The evening was hosted by Dale Halton, President and CEO of Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Charlotte and Gene Johnson, CEO of FairPoint Communications. Among those in attendance included outgoing Chancellor James H. Woodward, Irwin Belk and his son, Carl Belk, Tom and Lib Phillips, Tim Marburger, President of Marburger Automotive Group, Pat Rodgers, President and CEO of Rodgers Builders, Jerry Gappens, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Larry Ferguson, President of the Charlotte 49ers Athletic Foundation, Joan Lorden, University Provost and Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of CPCC.
Over 1400 items valued at over $400,000 were available, including 53 live auction items. Among the more unique items were a life-sized statue of Star Wars character Yoda, “Coach for a Day” items with 49ers head men’s basketball coach Bobby Lutz and head women’s basketball coach Amanda Butler, a big screen TV and entertainment system, vacations weeks to such destinations as Orlando, Hilton Head, Kiawah, Daytona Beach, Mexico, a 2.5 carat diamond bracelet, two center court season tickets to 49ers basketball and an ultimate NASCAR UAW/GM Quality 500 Experience, along with a large variety of furniture, electronics, appliances, sporting goods, memorabilia and artwork.
Mary Ann O’Connor, a member of the Charlotte 49ers Athletic Foundation Board of Directors and Director of Accounting for Marburger Automotive Group served as chairperson for the event.
Next year’s event is scheduled for June 3, 2006 at Halton Arena.
