The Kansas Wesleyan University Athletic Department hosted its first ever “Night with the ‘Yotes'” fund raising event on May 7 at the Ramada Convention Center in Salina and the event was a resounding success raising over $25,000 for Coyote Athletics.

The monies raised at “Night with the ‘Yotes'” will go directly into the Coyote Booster Club fund, which helps the department purchase items and fund projects outside of its regular operating budget.

“The ‘Night with the ‘Yotes’ event was a resounding success for our department,” Kansas Wesleyan Director of Athletic Programs Dr. Matthew Williams said. “We are extremely fortunate for all the individuals and businesses that support us. They all play a very important role in maintaining the success of the athletic department.”

Gerald Lilly, Assaria, was named as the first recipient of the Gerald Lilly Award. The award is named after Mr. Lilly is a fervent supporter of Kansas Wesleyan University and has been attending events since 1948 in addition to making donations to the Athletic Department. The award will be awarded to individuals or groups who show exceptional commitment and dedication to Kansas Wesleyan University Athletics.

The event sold out quickly as over 300 tickets were sold in a matter of a couple weeks.

The night began with a social hour, followed by a dinner and live auction that featured over 30 items. A silent auction ran throughout the evening with over 100 items. The evening concluded with live entertainment from Salina’s own Soul Preachers band.

“We did great for our first year,” Williams said. “We were surprised at the success of the inaugural event and hope to build on it in the future.”

Plans for the Second Annual “Night with the ‘Yotes'” are already under way. The 2012 event will be May 5. More details will be released as they are finalized.

All financial gifts and gifts-in-kind to this event are charitable contributions to Kansas Wesleyan University.