Dare to Come ... The Blair Wu Project. Years ago, an intrepid group of Shocker faithful headed for the deep Wichita woods. Their mission: to raise funds in support of higher education at Wichita State. It was supposed to be a routine trip — but they were never heard from again.
So the legend goes. But recently, in a forgotten file cabinet, a daring Shocker intern discovered a yellowed, timeworn memo detailing the team’s perilous journey. Half-mad, trapped in the thick forest, they were driven to create something called “The Shocker Auction,” an event featuring fine food, diversion and lively bidding on fabulous items. Why did they disappear? They just never wanted to leave.
In honor of these valiant partygoers, the WSU Alumni Association will celebrate its 23rd Annual Shocker Auction, “The Blair Wu Project,” 6 p.m., Sat., Oct. 26, at Pavilion II of the Kansas Coliseum. Says Bryan Frye ’87/88, one of this year’s co-chairs, “We promise more tricks and treats than you can shake a stick at!”
A silent auction during dinner (provided by the Olive Tree) from 6 to 8:15 p.m. will be followed by the always incomparable live auction at 8:30, featuring emcee Randy Brown.
A few of the 30 live-auction items up for bid will be a Chevy S-10 LS extended cab pickup, donated by Davis-Moore Chevrolet; dinner for 40 on the lawn of the WSU President’s House, hosted by Don and Shirley Beggs; three sets of roundtrip AirTran tickets (two travelers per set); a fabulous shopping spree at Bradley Fair; and a Vespa ET2 Scooter donated by Vespa Wichita. For the sports fans, a one-of-a-kind event featuring Shocker coaches Mark Turgeon and Darryl Smith will also be up for auction. Among many other donors are The Plaid Giraffe and Coleman.
In keeping with the Halloween theme, there will be a bonfire, a pumpkin patch, a fortune-telling booth and even pumpkin bowling!
After the live auction, Jim Ziegler ’79 and his blues band, 2 Drink Minimum, will provide attendees with an excuse to dance till midnight. “We want to make this the Shocker Halloween party of the year to go to,” says Brad Beets ’87, WSU Alumni Association executive director. And with so many great things going for it, there’s no doubt it will be.
Yet The Blair Wu Project’s not just a great party: “Obviously, we are doing this to help the excellent work of the WSU Alumni Association, to make sure this vital university resource remains healthy, strong and proactive for its members — and for the entire university,” says Steve Onken, co-chair.
Auction tickets — $50 per person or $500 for a table of 10 — can be purchased by calling (316) 978-3290. Or register online at www.blairwuproject.com.
Dare to come!
