Elon 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 Elon'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 Elon after headlining the inaugural Night of the Phoenix three years ago.
“The ongoing financial support of the Elon 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 Elon 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 Elon Department of Athletics – creating the best possible experience for our student-athletes,” said Dave Blank, Elon’s director of athletics.
All gifts from Night of the Phoenix are included in Ever Elon: 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 Elon priorities.
Click here to visit ElonPhoenix.com 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!