Tickets are going fast for UALR’s first “SpectacUALR,” a fundraising event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Jack Stephens Center, benefitting the Trojan Athletic Foundation. The event will honor Annette Fisher, mother of former Trojan basketball star and Los Angeles Laker Derek Fisher.

“Annette Fisher is a wonderful lady and one of our most loyal and dedicated supporters. We could not be more appreciative of everything she has done for our university and Trojan Athletics,” UALR Athletic Director Chris Peterson. “The world is a better place because of people like Annette Fisher, and we are thrilled to have her as this year’s SpectacUALR honoree.”

The evening will feature heavy hor d’oeuvres and cocktails and unique silent and live auction items with all proceeds directly impacting UALR’s current student-athletes. Scholarships will be awarded to deserving recipients in every sport, men’s and women’s, for the following academic year. This year’s recipients will be named “Annette Fisher Scholars” in honor of the 2009 “SpectacUALR” honoree.

Tickets for the event are $50 and can be purchased by calling 501-565-8257.

Peterson said SpectacUALR will become an annual event.

“This is something we hope the Little Rock and UALR communities will embrace as we continue to raise private support for the department of athletics and our student-athletes.”

For more information on the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Chasse Conque by phone at 501-569-3382 or by email at csconque@ualr.edu.