Reimagined Red Tie Dinner and Auction Raises Record Amount for 1883 Greatest Need Fund

02/18/2026

Jacksonville State University’s Annual Red Tie Dinner and Auction, now named the 1883 Red Tie Dinner and Auction, set a new benchmark on the evening of Friday, February 6, raising a record-breaking $177,395.50 to benefit the 1883 Greatest Need Fund.

Held at the University Recreation Center (UREC), the reimagined event drew 370 guests — the largest attendance in the event’s nine-year history — and marked the most successful Red Tie Dinner to date. A total of 375 tickets were sold, including 129 individual tickets and sponsor-supported admissions, with sponsorships alone generating $75,000.

The evening also featured a dynamic live and silent auction, offering a total of 100 items — 81 silent auction items and 19 live auction experiences. The live auction generated $64,400, while the silent auction added $14,473, contributing to the record total.

This year’s event introduced a new ticketed format designed to more directly connect the evening’s celebration with philanthropic impact. Proceeds benefit the 1883 Greatest Need Fund, which provides flexible, responsive support for students and campus initiatives.

“The 1883 Greatest Need Fund allows us to respond when needs arise and when timing matters most,” said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. “Because of its flexibility, this fund enables us to support students facing unexpected challenges, strengthen programs that enhance the student experience, and invest in opportunities that can’t wait for traditional funding cycles. The generosity shown at this year’s 1883 Red Tie Dinner and Auction will directly impact our students and ensure we remain focused on removing barriers and creating opportunity.”

The 1883 Greatest Need Fund is named for the University’s founding year and serves as one of the most impactful ways to support Jax State. Unlike designated gifts, the fund allows university leadership to allocate resources where they are most urgently needed.

Dr. Alan Medders, Vice President for Philanthropy, said the success of this year’s event reflects both strong community support and the effectiveness of the updated format.

“We were incredibly encouraged by the response to this year’s event,” Medders said. “The new format created greater engagement throughout the evening and allowed guests to clearly see the connection between their participation and the impact on our students. The record-breaking total is a testament to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and supporters who believe in the mission of Jacksonville State University.”

Since its launch nine years ago, the newly named 1883 Red Tie Dinner and Auction has become a signature philanthropic event for Jax State, bringing together alumni, friends, and community

partners in support of student success. This year’s milestone builds on a cumulative total that surpassed $1 million in 2025, reflecting the continued growth and impact of the event. To learn more about or contribute to the 1883 Greatest Need Fund, visit this link.