College of the Redwoods Dinner & Auction was a major success

The College of the Redwoods Dinner and Auction, a benefit for CR’s intercollegiate athletics program, was held on August 11 in the CR Gymnasium.  More than 400 community members attended, and 125 student-athletes were their hosts.  Blue Lake Casino & Hotel and Shafer’s Ace Hardware stores were title partners and helped cover event expenses.  One hundred and seventy-five individuals, organizations, and businesses donated items and packages for the auction.  Revenue from the event is currently at $118,000.

This year’s event honored the 2006 Softball Team – the first CR team sport to make it to the Final 8 State Championships since the merger of the small school/large school format.  The majority of the team members being recognized were able to attend the event, with several having traveled from Oregon and Washington.  The event also recognized the 50th anniversary of Title IX with a video produced by Megan Valente, CR’s head softball coach.

“The event was extremely successful, and not just because of the funds raised for our Athletics Program, but also because our supporters had an opportunity to interact with our student athletes.  Without the generous donations of items and packages, we would not have been able to hold such an event.  This is just another reason why we need to support our locally owned businesses, since they are the ones supporting our local fundraising events.  The quality of donations this year was nothing short of remarkable and very much appreciated,” said Marty Coelho, Executive Director of College Advancement and the CR Foundation.

Bob Brown, Director of Athletics, Kinesiology, Health and Physical Education, was extremely grateful, “I want to personally thank all of our donors and all those that attended, for making the return of our event such a huge success!  These funds are vital towards the growing momentum of our athletic department and helps ensure current and future sustainability of our athletic programs.”

CR has a long and proud tradition in athletics.  Since its founding in 1964, CR has had championship teams in nearly every sport.  CR currently has thirteen athletic teams for men and women and come 2023-24, CR will be adding two additional programs with men and women’s wrestling.  College of the Redwoods has focused its recruiting efforts on local athletes, and this fall, with more than 250 student-athletes registered, nearly 65% will be from Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity Counties.   

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