The annual fundraising event held in Schar Center on Oct. 7 generated more than $400,000 for student-athlete scholarships.
Elon Athletics celebrated its largest annual fundraising event on Oct. 7 inside Schar Center as the community came together to raise more than $425,000 for student-athlete scholarships at the 15th annual Night of the Phoenix presented by Samet Corp.
The evening kicked off with an online silent auction with donors at the venue and from locations around the world bidding on more than 250 available items including trips, experiences and unique items. In total, more than 2,000 bids were received, helping to grow the total number of dollars realized through the silent auction by 36 percent from the prior year.
The more than 300 supporters gathered for Night of the Phoenix enjoyed a program that highlighted the impact that Phoenix Club donors have had on two former student-athletes who are currently playing in professional leagues. The first video featured Oli Udoh ’18, now an NFL player with the Minnesota Vikings, and Daniel Lovitz ’14, who is currently playing in Major League Soccer with Nashville SC. Udoh and Lovitz shared how their Elon student-athlete experience afforded them the opportunity to earn a college degree bS also prepared them for a career in professional sports. Further, the video touched on how the scholarships they were afforded at Elon shaped their professional lives in ways that never would have been possible.
After the former student-athlete feature video, current Elon track and field senior pole vaulter and engineering major Madison George ’23 shared her Elon story. George spoke about how her athletics scholarship has given her the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research and compete at the highest level. Following the video, George gave an inspiring speech to the attendees and current Elon student-athletes, thanking Elon donors and supporters for providing her the opportunity to live the Elon student-athlete experience.
Entertainment was provided by Triad DJ and Events during the cocktail hour and the Elon a capella group Twisted Measure performed. Harvest Table served the meal and Nate’s Cookies provided cookies as a take-home gift at the end of the night.
- More information about the Phoenix Club or to become a member today to continue supporting student-athletes, click here.
- For questions regarding redeeming silent auction items, contact Imani Smith in the Phoenix Club at ismith16@elon.edu or (336) 278-6797.