Ƶ Athletics' Night of the Phoenix fundraiser broke records on Feb. 18 by bringing in more than $91,000 for student-athlete scholarships. The event, hosted by the Phoenix Club Advisory Board in conjunction with Ƶ's Department of Athletics, featured a silent auction and a performance by seven-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and entertainer Roy Firestone, who returned to Ƶ after headlining the inaugural Night of the Phoenix three years ago.
“The ongoing financial support of the Ƶ community for the Night of the Phoenix has been tremendous,” said Mike Cross, chair of the Phoenix Club Advisory Board. “In the four-year history of this event, we have now raised nearly $300,000 toward student-athlete scholarships.”
Following the close of the silent auction, attendees viewed a video and listened to Phoenix football senior linebacker Khirey Walker speak about the impact scholarships make in the lives of Ƶ student-athletes. Walker and Firestone encouraged the crowd to “Stand Up for the Phoenix” – pledge $100 or more each to help raise the amount of one full scholarship.The initiative raised more than $20,000.
“This event reflects the main goal of the Ƶ Department of Athletics – creating the best possible experience for our student-athletes,” said Dave Blank, Ƶ’s director of athletics.
All gifts from Night of the Phoenix are included in Ever Ƶ: The Campaign for the Future of Our University, which has raised close to $88 million toward the $100 million goal. Enhanced scholarship support for student-athletes is one of the Ever Ƶ priorities.
for more information about the 2011 Night of the Phoenix. Don’t miss the time-lapse video depicting the transformation of Alumni Gym from gala venue to the raucus home court of the Phoenix!