By: Doug Ireland, NSU Sports Information Director
NATCHITOCHES – The Natchitoches Events Center will host next Saturday evening's Scholarship Auction 2011, supporting Northwestern State student-athletes.
The event is open to the public and reservations are being accepted by Patric DuBois, the Scholarship Auction coordinator, who can be reached at 318-357-5001 or at duboisp@nsula.edu by e-mail. Tickets are $65 person, $125 per couple, $500 for a table of eight or $1,000 for a VIP 10-seat table in a prime location. Reservations should be made in advance.
The Scholarship Auction has been held in previous years in Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern campus, but renovations to the arena are ongoing, requiring the Auction's move to the Events Center at 750 Second Street.
Hundreds of items will be up for bid next Saturday beginning at 5 p.m., said DuBois.
Scholarship Auction committee chairs are Frances Conine, Liz Gresham, Connie McConathy and Karen Townsend, leading dozens of volunteers who are working to make the 12th Scholarship Auction at NSU far and away the best yet.
The Scholarship Auction has been held in odd-numbered years, on the Saturday night prior to the kickoff of the Demons' football season, since 1989. This will be the 12th Scholarship Auction benefitting NSU athletics through the Demon Victory Fund, also known as the NSU Athletic Association.
The event includes hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, a sumptuous dinner, and entertainment while guests shop during the silent auction. Northwestern student-athletes and spirit group members interact with patrons. The NSU staff of coaches and administrators mingle with guests, along with an array of student-athletes, cheerleaders and spirit groups.
A wide range of items - including appliances, artwork, clothing, jewelry, furniture and even cars - have been featured in past Scholarship Auctions, and will be again.
Outings including hotel, game tickets and travel to NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball games are staples of Scholarship Auctions, along with experiences involving NSU teams and even the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band.
