KIA Carnival Shocker Auction rolls into Century II

By Connie White

The WSU Shocker Auction Saturday, June 26, in Wichita’s Century II may have a serious purpose, but it’s a seriously fun event. It’s really a carnival of fun — not to mention a venue for great buys on everything from A to Z.

For the 19th consecutive year, Shocker alumni have scoured the country for items deemed worthy of Shocker Auction status. There will be trips galore, fine art and prints, advertising packages, Shocker sports memorabilia, a self-portrait of Red Skelton and much more, including a 1999 KIA 4X4 Sportage Convertible, listed at $16,900 and donated by the auction’s title sponsor Steven KIA in Wichita.

And what’s a carnival without table-loads of food and buckets of beverages and all kinds of games and prizes at the Emprise Bank Midway. The midway will feature everything from sports games to a celebrity dunk tank and a Shocker casino. Local personalities who have volunteered for the watery abuse in the dunk tank are Peter Pitz and Adam Knapp of The Wichita Eagle; Darryl Smith, Shocker women’s basketball coach; and Greg Bailey, KAKE-TV 10 sports anchor.

Doors to the Exhibition Hall open at 5:30 p.m. The schedule includes a bargain bazaar, casino and other games, Lucky in "Love" grab boxes, food and drink, a silent bid auction and too many activities and chances for prizes to mention. The live auction begins at 9 p.m. under the gavel of auctioneer Jack Newcom.

Stephan and Linda Foley will co-chair this year’s Shocker Auction.

As always, auction-goers can nab special Shocker sports packages, including season tickets and coach-for-a-day opportunities as well as specially autographed basketballs, baseballs and a football from former Shocker player and assistant coach Bill Parcells.

The bottom-line reason for supporting the Shocker Auction is helping raise funds for the work of the WSU Alumni Association and its programs, projects, publications and endowed student scholarship.

Last year, nearly 500 auction attendees raised more than $100,000 to support the cause of higher education through the WSU Alumni Association.

The admission cost of $25 includes food and beverages. Call 978-3831 for reservations.