Leatherneck Athletics hosted its 36th Annual Purple & Gold Gala on Saturday, August 16 in the University Union Grand Ballroom to a very supportive audience.
A sneaker soiree theme continued for the third straight year, and attendees wore their favorite shoes, some of which included purple and gold designs and others with soles that lit up with purple lights.
"This past year has seen us face some real challenges, both as an athletic department and a University" said Director of Athletics Paul Bubb. "We continue to be a competitive program in the Ohio Valley Conference, but I really feel, just like we had a great event on Saturday, we are poised to have a very good year in the OVC."
The silent and live auctions, along with the raffle and other contributions, generated over $75,953 for Leatherneck Athletics. A special "Fund A Need" during the live auction raised $8,200 for the Leatherneck Cheer, Dance, and Marching/Pep Bands that perform at Leatherneck home games.
A primary focus this year was to raise $40,000 for the Sport Performance area, with that goal well exceeded.
“This achievement is a great benefit to our student-athletes. Raising over $40,000 means we can continue to invest in the training and recovery resources that directly impact the performance and well-being of our student athletes,” said Jon Minnis, Director of Sports Performance
The Gala included its usual silent auction and reception, which began at 5 p.m. In addition to over 128 silent auction items, guests had the opportunity to purchase tickets for one of two $500 cash drawings. In place of a formal dinner, guests were able to graze at a variety of food stations throughout the night.
Bubb started the evening's program with remarks and a moment of silence for those Leathernecks who had passed this year, including former Director of Athletics Helen Smiley and long-time Western employee and Leatherneck club member Jim Keeney.
Then WIU Athletics and the Leatherneck Club presented a new tradition, that is to honor the Leatherneck Club Booster of the Year! This will be an annual award presented at the Purple & Gold Gala to the person(s) who the Leatherneck Club Board of Directors decides on. A permanent plaque with the recipient’s names will be displayed in Western Hall in the Hall of Fame Room while the recipients will receive a plaque signifying their status as Booster of the Year. The bar has been set high as WIU Athletics and the Leatherneck Club was honored to present this award to Sue and the late Ed Holzwarth! Truly a representation of the best we can ask for as boosters of Leatherneck Athletics.
Leatherneck women’s basketball standout, Raegan McCowan, spoke to the group highlighting what being a Leatherneck has meant to her. McCowan, a junior from Lebanon, MO, spoke about how the people of Macomb and Western Illinois University have such an impact on her and all of the Leatherneck student-athletes.
To follow Purple and Gold Gala Co-Chairs, Joe Roselieb and Seth Minter, and President Mindrup joined Bubb on stage to announce the two (2) $500 raffle winners! “Once again, our incredible WIU athletics supporters showed up in full force and made the Purple and Gold Auction a truly outstanding event. We are so grateful for the passion and generosity of our Leatherneck family — your energy helped make the night unforgettable. A special thank-you as well to Sodexo for the delicious food and top-notch service that elevated the evening even more.” said Seth Minter.
Lowderman Auction Company then kicked off the live auction with having Women's Basketball Head Coach, JD Gravina and Men's Basketball Head Coach, Chad Boudreau on stage while auctioning off the Teams VIP Trips to Iowa and Drake University! Head Football Coach, Joe Davis was also asked to come on stage for the Leatherneck Football teams VIP Trip to Gardner-Webb.
"The Purple and Gold Gala always serves as a great kickoff to the new academic year, and I'm grateful to all those who came out in support of our student-athletes and spirit squads," said Bubb. "I want to thank everyone who attended to make the 36th annual event a great one and a special thanks to Lowderman Auction Company for running our live auction!"
All proceeds from the 36th Annual Purple & Gold Auction will enhance the NCAA Division I experience of Leatherneck student-athletes.
