The annual celebration of Elon athletics is organized by the Phoenix Club to raise money for student-athlete scholarships.
It was a night to remember on Friday, Feb. 16, as the Elon University community came together in Alumni Gym to raise more than $215,000 in one night for Elon student-athlete scholarships at the 11th annual Night of the Phoenix event.
"We are very appreciative of the hard work and effort the Phoenix Club Advisory Board puts forth that makes this event a success year after year," said Elon Director of Athletics. "It was great to see so many friends from the Elon community in the room enjoying Night of the Phoenix on Friday and coming together to support the education and experiences of our student-athletes."
The evening kicked off with a robust silent auction consisting of over 260 exclusive items for bid both in-venue and online at Night of the Phoenix. This year's items included a two-night stay at the New York Yacht Club, a six-day trip to Park City, Utah, a special Boston sports experience, a private tour of Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, N.C., tickets to the sold out Hootie & the Blowfish concert in Daniel Island, S.C., and hundreds of other unique experiences and items only available through Night of the Phoenix.
For the third year in a row, all items were available both in-venue and online across the world with over 1,400 combined bids taking place. The Miami Dolphins fan package that included sideline passes and suite tickets had over 40 bids during the event and was one of many items to sell for more than $2,500.
During the program, women's tennis standout Erica Braschi spoke about her experience as a student-athlete. A senior from Dorado, Puerto Rico, Braschi described the impact of receiving an athletic scholarship and her journey to Elon from Puerto Rico.
Following Braschi's remarks and a video featuring football linebacker Warren Messer, women's basketball center Malaya Johnson, and cross country standout Nick Ciolkowski, Elon student-athletes entered the room to thank those in attendance for their participation in the night's activities and for all of their scholarship support with Stand Up for the Phoenix.
The program opened with the presentation of the Elon Medallion to former coach and Elon Sports Hall of Famer Bill Morningstar '64. Click here for more information on Morningstar's award.