UALR’s Department of Athletics raised in excess of $180,000 at its Thursday, Oct. 8 event “SpectacUALR,” a University record, said Bob Denman, executive director of development.

“The success of SpectacUALR was phenomenal, considering it was the first fundraising event ever for the Athletic Department,” Denman said. “Volunteer coordinators Jane Yocum and Cortney Beebe and all the volunteers – along with Chasse Conque, director of Athletic development, made it happen.”

At the live auction, the top item was a round of golf with NBA greats Charles Barkley, Dan Majerle, and Joe Kleine, which drew a winning bid of $17,000 . Another auction item — a Los Angeles Lakers Experience for four drew $12,000.

The gala and live auction honored Annette Fisher, mother of UALR and NBA basketball star Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers and president of the NBA Players Association.

Proceeds from the event will directly impact 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 were named “Annette Fisher Scholars” in honor of the 2009 “SpectacUALR” honoree.

UALR Athletic Director Chris 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,” he said.