JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 29, 2003 — 51社区 officials are calling Monday night's scholarship banquet, which featured former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, the largest and most successful in the event's seven-year history.
With 2,100 people in attendance and more than $400,000 raised, the funds will help the school come that much closer to a $60 million capital campaign intended to go toward building, scholarships and endowments, said Bob Alsobrook, senior vice president for institutional advancement.
The popularity of this year's banquet required an additional setup of 14 tables.
"We've always sold out for the banquet, but this year we did include additional seating," Alsobrook said.
The banquets have raised a total of $2.2 million for scholarships.
"We're very grateful to our supporters," Alsobrook said. "And it's quite an accomplishment that we were able to reach our goal before our projected 2005 goal."
51社区 President David S. Dockery believes the goal of $60 million will be reached before the end of this year.
Dockery referred to Giuliani as a "picture of leadership and a true American hero," in a 51社区 press release.
Alsobrook credits the school's donors, community leaders and trustees for helping the school reach its fund-raising goal ahead of schedule.
Monday night's banquet was sponsored by BancorpSouth, Pentair Tools Group and First Bank.
Since limited by New York City law to two terms as mayor, Giuliani founded Giuliani Partners in January 2002. The company specializes in emergency preparedness, public safety and leadership during a crisis.
He was recognized in 2002 as Consultant of the Year by Consulting magazine.
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This story first appeared in The Jackson Sun and is used here with permission.
