Submitted photos – Clint McClurg

The North Coast sports community came out in big numbers to support College of the Redwoods athletics last week.

The local community college hosted its 22nd annual Dinner & Auction on Thursday night, and 475 community members showed up to raise a record $285,000, with additional funds still being received.

“The generosity we experienced this year was overwhelming,” said Marty Coelho, Executive Director of College Advancement and the CR Foundation. “A total of 340 individuals, families, organizations, and businesses donated to this year’s event. 

“The quality and generosity of the donations were remarkable. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support our community provides to College of the Redwoods and our student-athletes.”

The evening celebrated the accomplishments of CR athletics while recognizing distinguished alumni and showcasing a unique piece of the college’s history. 

The program honored former Corsair football standout Shawn Howe, now a defensive assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers; inducted former CR football player and longtime Ferndale High School football coach Clint McClurg into the CR Athletics Hall of Fame; and celebrated the return of the historic Corsair Speed Car to the Eureka campus.

CR Athletic Director Ryan Bisio said the evening provides an important opportunity to bring student-athletes and community supporters together.

“We continue to be amazed and humbled by the outpouring of support for this event,” Bisio said. “It is so important that we connect our community with our student-athletes and give our students the opportunity to see firsthand how fortunate they are to have this kind of support. 

“At the same time, we love hearing from our community supporters about how much they enjoy personally interacting with our athletes throughout the evening.”

More than 125 CR student athletes played a central role in the evening, assisting with everything from set-up and serving to interacting with guests throughout the event. 

Blue Lake Casino Hotel and the McLean Foundation served as the event’s title sponsors.

According to a school press release, “The Dinner & Auction is the largest annual fundraiser for CR Intercollegiate Athletics and provides critical financial support for the college’s student-athletes and athletic programs.”

College of the Redwoods President and Superintendent Dr. Keith Flamer expressed his appreciation for the community’s continued commitment to the college and its students.

“We are very grateful for the continued support from our community, alumni and donors,” Flamer said. “Their generosity toward CR athletics underscores our shared commitment to academic and athletic excellence. 

“Every contribution makes a profound and lasting difference in the lives of our student-athletes and strengthens College of the Redwoods.”

The Corsair Speed Car