FIRST-EVER FERRIS STATE BULLDOG FOOTBALL GALA A POSITIVE SUCCESS

Special Dinner Raises Funds For FSU Scholarship Program

BULLDOG FOOTBALL GALA

Former Ferris football standout Monty Brown (left) and guest speaker Ray Bentley (right) pose for a photo at the Bulldog Football Gala. Both Brown and Bentley played professionally for the NFL's Buffalo Bills during the 1990's.

The highly-successful event, which served as a fundraiser for the FSU Football Scholarship Fund, featured an exquisite dinner, a special guest speaker and more than 40 auction items up for bid. Former National Football League (NFL) player and current ESPN television commentator Ray Bentley was the featured speaker during the night's activities.

The event raised significant funds towards the scholarship program with nearly 200 guests taking part in the special event.

"We're excited about the revenue we were able to generate from this first-time event and would like to thank everyone who helped make this a tremendous success," said FSU head coach Jeff Pierce. "It was a great night to be involved with Bulldog football and we were able to raise significant support for our student-athletes."

Free bus transportation was provided to the location from Big Rapids and the silent and live auction items included such things as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, ski weekends, golf packages, charter fishing trips, hunting expeditions along with various sports-related memorabilia. Guests were afforded the opportunity to dine in Noto's world-class wine cellar while others enjoyed sampling fine foods in the main upstairs portion of the facility.

In addition to Bentley's speech, those in attendance also were able to listen to a testimonial from former Bulldog Academic All-America linebacker Mike Klobucher. Pierce also spoke to the audience during the night and had special words of thanks for former Ferris baseball player Tony Noto, who provided tremendous support and showcased his establishment during the fine dining event. Former Bulldog Bill Scheible served as the gala's Master of Ceremonies.

Additionally, the event enabled alumni of the program to reconnect with former teammates and coaches throughout the evening. Included among the many Ferris alumns who took part in the gala were former NFL linebacker and current professional wrestler Monty Brown along with Whitney Bell, who was recently signed by the Arena Football League's Grand Rapids Rampage.

"In all, this event was a great success and went well for it being the first time we've ever done something like this," Pierce said. "Plans are already underway to make this an annual event."

Photos from the first-ever Bulldog Football Gala can be found at this link:
Bulldog Football Gala Photos