8th Annual Red Tie Dinner and Auction Reaches Historic Milestone

02/13/2025

The 8th Annual Red Tie Dinner and Auction raised an impressive $133,581, pushing Jacksonville State University’s total funds raised through the event past $1 million since its inception. Established as a donor recognition event for those making annual contributions of $2,500 or more, the Red Tie Dinner and Auction celebrates the generosity of Jax State’s dedicated supporters. 

Hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement on Friday, Feb. 7, at the University Recreation Center, the evening brought together more than 360 passionate donors and university leaders to celebrate this milestone. Guests enjoyed a formal dinner, live entertainment, and competitive bidding on 141 donated items. The live auction alone generated over $55,000, while the silent auction contributed more than $23,000 to the evening’s total. 

The success of the Red Tie Dinner and Auction over the past eight years highlights the unwavering generosity of the Jax State community, ensuring continued support for students and programs. As leadership-level annual donors gathered to kick off another year of fundraising, the energy in the room was electric, reflecting a shared commitment to the university’s future. 

“The Red Tie Dinner and Auction is always a special night for Jax State, and this year was no exception,” Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. said. “The generosity of our alumni and supporters has once again made a significant impact, pushing the total raised through this event past $1 million. But this evening was about more than just numbers—it was about the collective belief in the future of our university. With the launch of the It’s A Jax State of Mind campaign, we have set our sights on an ambitious goal to elevate the student experience, strengthen our academic reputation, and build championship-winning programs. Thanks to the dedication of those in attendance, we are already making that vision a reality. Together, we are not just dreaming about the future—we are building it.” 

The night ended on a historic note with the official launch announcement of Jax State’s $100 million capital campaign, It’s A Jax State of Mind. The largest transformational fundraising effort in the university’s history aims to enhance academic programs, student experiences, and campus facilities for future generations. More details about the campaign can be found at JaxStateofMind.com.