SPEARFISH, S.D. – The 3^rd Annual Gold Rush Raffle & Auction was held on Saturday, April 27.  The third year ended up being a record year, netting over $47,000 for student-athlete scholarships! 
 
The grand prize of $5,000 was won by Ron Young of Pierre, S.D.  Ron purchased the sixth ticket into the finals in the live auction, and that ended up being a good move as he is now the first person to end up with the full $5,000 grand prize. 
 
The event had a different look this year as the Yellow Jacket Club stepped up its decorating game with the help of some key individuals.  The Rotary Club of the Northern Black Hills provided over 380 feet of pipe and drape to enclose the gym.  April Meeker gave some decorating advice and helped the auction committee, comprised of Ami Kerr, Kalene Anundson, Susan Hupp, and Whitney Schnabel, transform the gym into a completely different atmosphere than years prior. 
 
"Having the pipe and drape from the Rotary, as well as help from the committee, April, and others at the university, really changed the look of the event.  It boosted the whole feel and ambiance of everything." commented Assistant Athletic Director, Melissa Christensen. 


 
The skills of emcee Brandon Bentley and auctioneer Terry Hupp kept the night rolling and made the live auction entertaining and engaging.  There was a great turnout of athletes and coaches from all programs, and this year's keynote speaker was men's basketball player, Makaleb McInnis. 
 
A'viands provided the food and beverages for the evening.  The individuals at the head table once again enjoyed some amazing steaks provided by A'viands, and they definitely did not go away hungry. 
 
"Everything about the night was a huge success and it couldn't be done without the hard work of the auction committee, all the ticket sellers, and numerous university coaches and staff members.  Top ticket sellers for the year were Bob Young, Todd Carlson, and Bill Hughes. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to the event to make it such a record breaking year for scholarships," said Christensen.
 


 Next year's event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2020.  Mark your calendars now for what is sure to be another wonderful night supporting Black Hills State University Athletic Scholarships. 
 
The next upcoming fundraiser for Yellow Jacket Athletics is the 40^th and final Old Baldy Men's Yellow Jacket Golf Classic May 31-June2.  Followed by the Stadium Sports Grill Yellow Jacket Golf Classic in Spearfish on June 29.  For questions or to sign up for one of these events please call 605-642-6460.