22nd annual Purple and Gold Auction and Gala Photo Album

MACOMB, Ill. – The 22nd annual Purple and Gold Auction and Gala cleared $60,000 for the Western Illinois Athletics Department. The event, held last Saturday (Aug. 27), brought more than 400 people into Western Hall.

The majority of funds will be used to complete the renovation of the strength and conditioning equipment. Last year's event began the replacement of equipment used by the 20 Division I sports programs and 400-plus student-athletes.

"Our 22nd annual Purple and Gold Auction and Gala was another success. I want to thank co-chairs Jerry Cremer and John Biernbaum, and all the committee members for their hard work putting together this incredible event," said Director of Athletics Dr. Tim Van Alstine. "This was the best attended Gala we have had in several years. There were numerous people from the University and community attending for the first time. The aspect commented on the most was the amount of enthusiasm and excitement in the arena throughout the entire evening.

"We strive to provide the best (NCAA) Division I experience for our student-athletes. The generosity shown by those in attendance helps our Athletics Department's goal of providing the best opportunities so our student-athletes can win a championship ring and earn their degree," said Van Alstine.

"The Purple and Gold Auction and Gala continues to improve and to be the premier event that kicks off the school year because of our community, our donors, our attendees but most importantly because it is our student-athletes that benefit from the auction," said Assistant Director of Athletics for External Operations Sean McDonough. "The success of the auction is because everyone involved focuses on the student-athlete. We look forward to next year's auction already."

Those wishing to donate to the Leatherneck Club can contact Assistant Athletics Director Sean McDonough at (309) 298-2602.