September 18, 2019

silent auction.jpgThe 13th annual Mayville State University Comet Athletic Club Sportsmen’s Raffle event held Saturday evening, Sept. 14 at the Mayville Armory, generated lots of excitement and anticipation, with the ultimate goal of financial support for Comet Athletics. Proceeds will be used to support academic scholarships for Mayville State University student athletes. This support is key in attracting student athletes to play on Mayville State teams.

To add to the festivities, the Farmers Bowl silent auction offered about 70 items on which those who attended the event could bid. The auction had something for everyone and bidders had a great time as they worked to win the items of their choice.

Van Horn drawing.jpg“We thank the many Mayville State supporters who donated items and those who purchased them,” said MSU Foundation Interim Executive Director Beth Swenson. “The Farmers Bowl silent auction and Sportsmen’s Raffle event provided a grand finale to Farmers Bowl 2019.”

Longtime Farmers Bowl volunteers Cheryl Angen, Lois Karlstad, Ann Willeson, Leah Larson, Doug Anderson, and JoDee Dungan served as members of the Farmers Bowl silent auction committee. Proceeds of all activities associated with the annual Farmers Bowl celebration will benefit Mayville State University and its students through the work of the MSU Foundation, the Comet Athletic Club, and the Alumni Association.

Jeremy Strand.jpgAnother highlight of the evening was the drawing for 50 guns that were given away to individuals who had purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win. Ticket sales are limited to 500, so participants have a 1-in-10 chance of winning. The event was attended by about 325 people who enjoyed dinner and had an opportunity to participate in a variety of other raffles with the chance of winning some terrific prizes, as well as bid in the silent auction. Proceeds of the Sportsmen’s Raffle activities will be used to support academic scholarships for Mayville State student athletes.

Mayville State Comet Athletic Club member and Mayville State graduate Jeremy Strand emceed the program and was assisted by Mike Carr, Comet Athletic Club president. A cash bar was provided by Floyd’s in Portland. Bryan Karolus and his staff with Mayville State Dining Services cooked and served the meal.

“I am so very appreciative of the work that was done to plan and execute the 13th annual Sportsmen’s Raffle event, including the Farmers Bowl silent auction,” said Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn. “Those who attended the event appeared to have a great time, all for such a noble cause. Thank you to all!”

There were numerous winners of side raffle prizes, including Jeff Eliason, who won a gun safe donated by Valley Plains Equipment. Ted Karlstad was the winner of a Ruger .357 revolver housed in a special Mayville State case hand-crafted by Harlan Johnson of Mayville.

“We are grateful to the many people who purchased raffle tickets and participated in the event activities on Sept. 14,” said Mike Carr. “We also express our sincere thanks to our emcee for the evening; to Valley Plains Equipment, Thrivent Financial, Sue Strand and Jeremy Strand, Miller’s Fresh Foods, Scheels, and Floyd’s for their support; and to the Comet Athletic Club board members who worked hard to make it happen.”

Photo captions

Top: Mayville State University supporters were very generous in their donations to the Farmers Bowl silent auction. About 70 items were donated and available for sale.

Middle: Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn prepares to pull the winning ticket in the Farmers Bowl Cash Raffle as Comet Athletic Club board president Mike Carr wait to hear the results. Kay Arneson from Roosevelt, Minn. was the lucky winner of the $1,000 prize.

 Bottom: Jeremy Strand served as emcee for the 13th annual Sportsmen’s Raffle event.