WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Experience packages and sports collectibles are just some of the items that will be up for auction during the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) “Grizzlies Gala: Promoting Excellence in Athletics” April 8 at the West Plains Civic Center.
The event, presented by West Plains Bank and Trust Company, will begin at 6 p.m. with a catered meal and the auction in the civic center exhibit hall. Gary Sexton will serve as auctioneer.
Other sponsors include Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply, Ozarks Healthcare, Don’s Auto Service, Great Rivers Distributing and Pepsi MidAmerica.
At 8 p.m., the event will transition to the civic center theater where players will be recognized and awards presented.
“We’re so appreciative of the donors who have provided our auction items this year,” said Interim Athletic Director Crockett Oaks. “They have really gone above and beyond to ensure there will be something that will appeal to everyone who attends.”
Several experience packages have been donated, including a three-day, four-night turkey hunt for two at McBee Farms in Gallatin, a mushroom hunt with experienced picker John Plummer of West Plains, and a hiking trip with MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy bidding on a football signed by the 2021 Green Bay Packers team, a signed photo of Pittsburg Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, tickets to watch the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, and an autographed book and photo of Brooklyn Dodgers great and West Plains native Elwin “Preacher” Roe.
In addition, an assortment of football and basketball trading cards will be up for bid. Featured athletes include Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Art lovers will want to bid on an original painting by internationally acclaimed artist Bolaji Ogunwo of Nigeria. A prolific painter with over 50 local and international exhibitions to his credit, Ogunwo obtained his undergraduate degree in art with a specialization in painting from the University of Benin and his master’s degree in painting from the University of Lagos. He received his doctorate in painting from Delta State University in Abraka in 2020. He is currently a studio artist and painting lecturer in the Department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos-Akoka.
Ogunwo visited West Plains in fall 2021 and painted a mural at the Christos House Thrift Store’s new location on Jefferson Avenue, as well as conducted a “lunch and learn” session in painting at MSU-WP.
A full list of current auction items can be found at the event website, WP.MissouriState.edu/GrizzliesGala.
Organizers said they are still accepting items for the auction. To donate, contact Quin Patterson at QuintanaPatterson@MissouriState.edu or 417-255-7923.
Tickets for the gala are still available at $65 each, or a table for six can be reserved for $400. Proceeds will go toward scholarships and other program needs, organizers said.
To purchase tickets or for more information about the event, visit WP.MissouriState.edu/GrizzliesGala or call 417-255-7923.