Laramie, Wyo. (Oct. 29, 2021) -- The 35th Annual Cowboy Joe Club Auction presented by UniWyo Federal Credit Union and Blue Ribbon Gloves raised a record $600,000 and attracted a crowd of over 700 individuals on Friday night, Oct. 15. The $600,000 total broke the previous auction record by over $100,000.
With state matching funds, a total of $1.2 million will go to supporting University of Wyoming student-athlete scholarships.
"This is a remarkable show of support from our donors," said
Tom Burman, University of Wyoming Director of Athletics. "The enthusiasm and excitement that is displayed at our auction each year makes it one of the best events we conduct as a department. We of course weren't able to hold the event a year ago, but the attendance at this year's event and the amount of money that was raised shows the level of commitment Wyoming fans have for the Cowboys and Cowgirls. We can't thank our fans enough! We are also extremely appreciative of the support from our state legislature and Governor Mark Gordon in providing matching funds to help support UW Athletics."
"The atmosphere in the sold-out ballroom at Little America was amazing," said
Randy Welniak, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development and Revenue Enhancement. "To have 700 attendees support our auction this year was so gratifying, especially after the challenging year we all had in 2020. We are so fortunate to have this type of passion for the athletics program at the University of Wyoming."
The event was held at Little America in Cheyenne, Wyo. A total of 230 silent auction items and 32 Live auction items were featured, including an autographed Josh Allen jersey that was auctioned off for $15,000. Among other items in the auction were: an African vacation, a fishing excursion to Chile, Super Bowl tickets and tickets to the Country Music Awards (CMA).
Kevin McKinney served as emcee for the event, and Lex Madden of Madden Brothers Auction Service in Torrington, Wyo., served as the auctioneer for the event.
Coaches from several UW sports were in attendance, along with the Western Thunder Marching Band, the UW Spirit Team, Pistol Pete and the Cowboy Joe Pony and Handlers.