By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University raised $12,000 – the largest amount ever – in the fourth annual Big Maroon Club Athletic Boosters following an auction and dinner July 31 in Winters Dining Hall with 230 people in attendance.
Chuck Vaughn, director of the Big Maroon Club, said the record amount was raised even though there were fewer items but the items sold for more.
Vaughn said the organizers made a change this year to include fewer items in the “live” auction and to add more to the “silent” auction. “This worked really well,” he said.
“I believe fewer items encouraged bidders to be more actively involved in the auction and hence the bidding went higher,” he said.
Citizens Bank & Trust was a sponsor of the meal and auction. Local auctioneers, John Kessler, Johnny Wayne Kessler, Darryl Kemp, Rufus Hansford and DeWayne Squires, took turns as auctioneers. Don Bishop, former director of athletics, helped also.
“The athletic boosters and Campbellsville University really appreciate the many businesses and individuals who donated items,” said Vaughn.
He said a special thanks goes to Campbellsville University coaches who also did a “great job of selling tickets and getting items to auction.”
Vaughn said, “Needless to say, we are indebted to the members of our Big Maroon Club Athletic Boosters for their ongoing support of Tiger athletics.”
Rusty Hollingsworth, director of athletics, said, “The CU Booster auction is a fun event that helps raise money for our athletic boosters.
“The proceeds help the Boosters provide uniforms and supplies for our athletic programs. A great meal, lots of fellowship and some really nice items make this event a favorite for our Boosters and for many Tiger supporters.”
Hollingsworth said CU athletics had a “phenomenal” year last season.
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, addressed those attending and said the university was “very, very thankful” for the good work each student athlete and coach does at CU.
“I can’t think of a better program that builds character and teaches student-athletes to learn how to act responsibly than CU athletics,” Carter said.
“Your financial support in thees economic times provides numerous opportunities for our athletes who represent CU across the country,” he said.
Larry Bowen, president of the CU Athletic Booster Club, said there should be about 400 athletics coming on campus this fall.
“We don’t know all their names or faces, but we are preparing for them. We want to open our hearts to those we don’t know so we can prepare to meet their needs,” he said.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 36 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.