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HONOLULU – Approximately 1,000 University of Hawai'i football supporters attended the Centennial Celebration Gala, Wednesday night at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, which culminated the season-long celebration of the 100th Anniversary of UH's inaugural football season.
The event raised $275,000, the largest amount for a single event in the University's history. Proceeds benefit the UH football program with $100,000 going towards supporting the football program and the other $175,000 towards an endowment for football operational expenses.
Among the attendees included dignitaries such as Governor Linda Lingle, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Western Athletic Conference Commissioner Karl Benson, Speaker of the House Calvin Say, and Chair of the Higher Education Committee Jerry Chang. Also present was the board of Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, who last year donated $5 million towards the construction of the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, an on-campus, all-purpose track and field, football, soccer and recreational facility.
Current head coach Greg McMackin and his staff along with former coaches Bob Wagner and Jimmy Asato were also present.
“I thought it was an outstanding event,” UH Athletics Director Jim Donovan said. “Obviously when you put something like this, there are so many companies and individuals to thank and we are grateful for their support. But most of all I'd like to thank co-chair Dr. Edison Miyawaki for his leadership and vision. I'm truly grateful for Doc and everyone involved for helping make this evening such an outstanding success.”
Dick Vermeil, who coached Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams and serves as a football analyst for NFL and college telecasts, was the keynote speaker. Other speakers included the Governor, Mayor, McMackin, and Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.
During the reception portion of the evening, attendees watched a 20-minute video, produced by Robert Kekaula and Rob DeMello, highlighting the past century of Hawai'i football. Each of the attendees received a DVD copy of the video and a commemorative 100th Anniversary coin.
In addition to a lavish reception and dinner, the event included a silent auction featuring several valuable items, including a Super Bowl package, NCAA Final Four package, BCS National Championship package, NFL game tickets, and other UH and professional sports memorabilia.
Around 50 former players and coaches attended a pre-reception event hosted by Chevron Hawai'i. Each UH football alumni received a replica jersey and polo shirt. Another function for former players is scheduled for this Saturday at the Wisconsin game and alumni are invited on the field to welcome the Warriors. Tickets and field passes will be available at the Na Koa table in the Chevron Family Fun Zone. For more information contact Na Koa Executive Director Don Weir at 295-7969 or don.weir@uhf.hawaii.edu.
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