KNOXVILLE (WATE) - It was a black tie and tennis shoe event at the Knoxville Convention Center Friday night as hundreds turned out to support the Lady Vols Athletic programs at the University of Tennessee.
The fundraiser called "A Salute to Excellence" began with just a few people in a private home, but over the years it has grown to be one of the most successful events of the year.
The final numbers won't be known for a while, but this event, now in its 24th year, will raise tens of thousands of dollars for UT's women's athletic programs. UT Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek says it's an event that's rare in college sports. "There's not many schools that do something like this to support their women's teams like we do here," he said. "It's really great to see all the student athletes here as I've gone around the room and said hello and hugged some of them."
The black tie affair features a quirky twist. While the outfits are formal, the footwear is all casual. The tennis shoes make it easier to move around the convention center and bid on the auction items.
Those items range from trips, to artwork and outdoor displays. Autographed sports memorabilia also available in the silent auction. One item that allowed for a little interaction was the pinball machine. Lady Vols supporter John Mack was having a go at it, and said he was considering making a bid. He also told us he's been attending this fundraiser with his wife for years.
"I've been coming to this event for about 20 years now," he said. "I think it's for a good cause for all the women's athletic department that sometimes gets overlooked by the men."
The Voice of the Lady Vols basketball team, Mickey Dearstone was also in attendance. "They're able to raise a lot of money at this event, not just for the women's basketball program, but for the entire women's athletic department."
The night was topped off with a dinner and music provided by the local band "The Chillbillies."
