Booster Club thrilled with turnout

The Odessa Tiger Athletic Booster Club auction held October 21 at the Odessa Community Center was a huge success, raising over $29,000 to be used for Tiger athletics.

The community center was decorated with Tiger apparel donated for the evening by Tiger alumni, as volunteer Dorcey Hunt outdid herself in the decorating department. The Tiger-themed photo booth was a major draw for alumni who put on lettermen's jackets and had pictures taken with friends.

Justin Parr was the emcee for the evening, pointing out items of interest and urging bidders to keep going higher.

The live and silent auctions did not fall short, as Odessa businesses and community members were generous in donating items and packages for the event. On the list of live auction items were a steak and seafood dinner, the very popular Odessa fan parking sign, a men's and a women's surprise basket and the 2018 head table. The most popular package was the "His and Her" package donated by Kelsey and Ryan Scrupps which brought in $1,450. The Garth Brooks package donated by Todd and Terri King and the Walla Walla wine tasting package from Odessa Drug were also very popular. With more than 24 items to bid on, the live auction brought in over half of the profits for the night.

The silent and "Live-on-the-Side" auctions also had a number of great items. There was a wide selection of clothing that the Booster Club purchased to offer in the silent auction, as well as signed sports gear from Tiger athletes, prime rib from Jeff Melcher and baked goods from Grannie BarBar. Due to the generosity of the community, more than 73 items were contributed to the silent auction. A special "Raise the Paddle for Scholarships" even, which took place in the middle of the live auction, raised another $2,600 for the 2018-2019 Tiger athletes.

The club sold a total of 130 tickets before the auction and 20 more tickets at the door. The $30 cost for a ticket included a dinner of prime rib and twice-baked potatoes prepared by Suzie Deife and Lindsy Starkel. The desserts were done differently this year, with community members donating desserts as center pieces reflecting an Odessa Tiger theme on each table. "It was fun to have people mingle among the different tables, trying out the different desserts," said Suzie Deife.

Overall, the Booster Club raised $7,000 more than it did at last year's auction. Odessa was clearly excited to see the Tiger mascot back, showing overwhelming support prior to the auction and also the night of the event.

The Odessa Booster Club is looking forward to the next year's auction set for Saturday, October 20, 2018.