LARAMIE, Wyo. – One night. One Cowboy Family. More than ONE MILLION dollars of impact.

The University of Wyoming Athletics Department and Cowboy Joe Club are proud to announce that the 40th Annual Cowboy Joe Club Auction, presented by UniWyo Credit Union, raised a record-breaking $1,042,231, surpassing the $1 million milestone for the first time in the event's four-decade history. The historic achievement also established the auction as the single largest revenue-generating event in Wyoming Athletics history outside of athletic competition.

Held Friday, Oct. 16, inside War Memorial Fieldhouse, the sold-out celebration brought together nearly 800 passionate supporters of Wyoming Athletics for an unforgettable evening of generosity, celebration, and impact.
The historic total shattered last year's mark of approximately $642,000, representing an increase of more than 62 percent and setting a new standard for one of Wyoming Athletics' most cherished traditions.

"This is a historic moment for Wyoming Athletics and a powerful statement about the strength of the UW community," said University of Wyoming Director of Athletics Tom Burman. "Surpassing $1 million in a single night is an extraordinary accomplishment, but what excites me most is what it means for our student-athletes. Our supporters continue to prove that Wyoming can compete at the highest level when we stand together. I couldn't be prouder of our Cowboy Joe Club team, our donors, and everyone who made this remarkable night possible."

The evening featured an extraordinary collection of live and silent auction experiences, opportunities to directly support student-athlete initiatives, and powerful personal stories that reminded those in attendance of the lives being changed through their generosity.

For more than five decades, the Cowboy Joe Club has served as the primary fundraising organization for Wyoming Athletics, providing critical resources that support the academic, athletic, and personal development of more than 400 Cowboy and Cowgirl student-athletes. From scholarships and nutrition to academic services, mental health resources, and life-changing opportunities, the impact of the evening will extend far beyond the walls of War Memorial Fieldhouse.

"People often talk about what Wyoming doesn't have. On Friday night, the Cowboy Family reminded the world of everything we do have," said Alex Jewell, Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation and Chief Development Officer "We have people who believe in something bigger than themselves. People who show up, who give generously, and who refuse to let the size of our state define the size of our dreams. We didn't raise a million dollars because one person did something extraordinary. We did it because hundreds of people decided, together, that our student-athletes were worth it. That's the power of Wyoming.

The record-breaking fundraising total was made possible through several components of the evening, including:

• More than $164,000 generated through 266 silent auction items.
• More than $422,250 generated through 26 live auction items.
• More than $200,000 contributed through three special paddle raises supporting student-athlete mental health and well-being, Wyoming Volleyball, and Wyoming Wrestling.
• More than $115,000 in generous corporate and individual sponsorships.
• More than $96,000 in event ticket sales.

The Cowboy Joe Club extends its deepest gratitude to presenting sponsor UniWyo Credit Union, the countless businesses and individuals who donated auction items and experiences, event sponsors, volunteers, staff, coaches, student-athletes, and every member of the Cowboy Family who helped make the historic evening possible.

As the Cowboy Joe Club celebrates the 40th anniversary of its signature fundraising event, this remarkable milestone represents more than a record-breaking financial achievement. It reflects four decades of unwavering commitment from generations of Wyoming supporters who believe in the transformative power of collegiate athletics.

"Forty years ago, a group of passionate supporters came together with a vision to make a difference for Wyoming student-athletes," Jewell added. "What happened Friday night is a tribute to every person who has helped build this tradition over the past four decades. To everyone who has ever purchased a ticket, donated an item, raised a paddle, or believed in our mission, this moment belongs to you. We are humbled, we are grateful, and we are just getting started."

For more information about the Cowboy Joe Club and opportunities to support Wyoming Athletics, visit CowboyJoeClub.com.