Annual event sets fundraising, attendance records

FEB. 16 – Trine University raised a record-setting $742,000 Saturday evening during its premier 13^th annual Scholarship Gala fundraising event. A new high of 403 guests helped set the record by bidding on auction items while even more individuals assisted by sponsoring the event and donating items for auction.

“The kindness and generosity of our friends and supporters continues to amaze and impress us each year,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. “We are grateful for the huge financial support shown to our students because this money is used to fund scholarships.” During this academic year, Trine provided more than $24 million in institutional aid to students.

The president, along with the chair of the Board of Trustees, helped bring in $1,800 with a surprise tie auction. Master of ceremonies Jeff Turner raised the excitement when without warning he suggested the sale of the tie Brooks was wearing. Guests cheered in support and Rick L. James, an alumnus and board chair, allowed his tie to be sold, too.

Throughout the evening, trustee and State Sen. Dennis Kruse auctioned resort vacation packages, a four-course meal for eight with wine pairings and top items for fans of professional athletics, among other items. Big on the auction block were a New York Yankees package that brought $4,500 and an Indianapolis Colts jersey autographed by Peyton Manning that sold for $3,000. The Yankees package for four includes a two-night stay at the Four Seasons and a stadium suite to watch the Yankees take on the Detroit Tigers.

Numerous and diverse items, from spa day pampering to sports memorabilia to designer totes, jewelry and watches, were sold by silent auction. Guests mingled around the outer perimeter of the room to view the many items available by silent auction.

The Trine University Jazz Band, under the direction of Brian Derek, provided live music and singing while guests enjoyed wine tasting and a gourmet dinner complete with a Valentine’s Day-inspired dessert. The auction began with Kruse auctioning Books and Beyond Scholarships, resulting in $29,000 for the program. This year $200,000 has been raised for the Books and Beyond Scholarships that help financially disadvantaged students with book vouchers, personal computers, basic school supplies, special project needs and tuition gap assistance. As they have for the past few years, Rick L. James and his wife, Vicki L. James, and Metal Technologies Foundation offered a $100,000 matching grant for the scholarships.

Be sure to be a part of this exciting event next year and mark the calendar for Feb. 11.