09/01/11 js/kb

HAYS, Kan. -- Building on 2010's inaugural event, the 2011 Tiger Auction and Dinner made a huge impact on the future of FHSU athletics. Final numbers are not yet in, but event coordinators estimate that more than $200,000 was raised, with more than 300 items up for grabs at the auction in the Memorial Union on the Fort Hays State University campus.

More tickets, close to 400, were sold to this year's auction than last year, and more items were available for bidding. The Tiger Marching Band, cheerleaders and Tiger Debs were on hand to help rally support.

The most exciting moment of the evening came during the Live Auction when item No. 40, "Help Equip the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility Weight Room," became a collective donation of sorts as prospective bidders raised their hands for pledges of up to $5,000 each. To add to the excitement, President Hammond announced an anonymous donor on his cell phone was ready to match whatever was raised in the room for this item. With the match, more than $150,000 was raised to equip the Schmidt-Bickle weight room alone.

"This event goes a long way toward addressing the ever-increasing costs associated with scholarships, while at the same time providing the opportunity to assist with facility development," said Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke. "Once again, we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and alumni at this annual event."

Some of the most hotly contested items of the night included an autographed football by Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers, a kid's party for 20 at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and co-coach for a day with Erin Kinberger, Tiger softball, and Chris Brown, FHSU football.

The 2011 Tiger Auction and Dinner was made possible by the FHSU Athletic Department, the FHSU Foundation and Eagle Communications.

"I want to thank the many, many individual donors and businesses from all over western Kansas who made this event such a success," said Tim Chapman, president and CEO of the Foundation.

Plans are already under way to make the 2012 event even better. Anyone can stay up to date by visiting www.tigerauction.org for the latest on the 2012 Tiger Auction and Dinner.