The second annual “SpectacUALR,” a benefit for Trojan athlete scholarships presented by Windstream Communications, raised nearly $195,000 at Oct. 14 gala, surpassing the record total raised at the 2009 inaugural event.

Six hundred Trojan fans attended gala honoring long-time UALR team physician Dr. Jack Vander Schilden. A 2003 inductee into the UALR Athletic Hall of Fame, “Dr. V” as he is affectionately known at UALR, has been involved with UALR athletics since joining the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1985. He currently serves as the Jackson T. Stephens Distinguished Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at UAMS.

A highlight of the evening was a live auction, conducted by Auctioneer Andy Davis, of a number of unique gifts — including an “Ultimate Lakers Experience,” a trip for four to Los Angeles to watch the reigning NBA World Champion Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center. The prize included airfare vouchers and hotel accommodations for two nights and an opportunity to have a picture taken following the game with UALR great and current Lakers star Derek Fisher.

Other live auction items included a pheasant hunt to South Dakota hosted by UALR Athletic Director and South Dakota native Chris Peterson, a trip for four to a Phoenix Suns game hosted by former NBA player and UALR Coach Joe Kleine, a bear hunt in the Ozarks, a trip for four to the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic, and a fishing trip guided by UALR Coach Joe Foley along the White River.

Guests also had opportunities to bid on 88 silent auction items, including four tickets to a New York Yankees home game, an NBA basketball autographed by the 2009-2010 Golden State Warriors team, another NBA basketball autographed  by members of last year’s Miami Heat, golf outings and fishing trips with UALR coaches, parties at sports venues, and more.

Last year’s inaugural event, chaired by Cortney Beebe and Jane Yocum, honored Annette Fisher and raised more than $180,000 in support of Trojan student-athletes. The Trojan Athletic Foundation hosted the event this year, led by co-chairs Yocum and Andrea Peel.

“We could not be more pleased with the success of SpectacUALR,” said UALR Director of Athletic Development Chasse Conque. “It says a lot about our committee and the overall support of UALR Athletics that this event has raised nearly $400,000 the past two years.”