WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Friday, August 8, was another successful fundraising evening inside the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center on the University of Central Missouri campus. Over 600 supporters of UCM Athletics helped raise over $200,000 at the 25th annual Celebrating Central Missouri Athletics Auction.

"What another fantastic evening in support of our Mules & Jennies programs. The 25th anniversary of the Celebrating Central Missouri Athletics Auction helped support our 500+ student-athletes with over $200,000 raised to help elevate our programs to the top-tier of NCAA Division II," UCM Assistant Athletic Director for Development Ryan Snyder said. 

"Thank you does not seem to do justice to what this event means to the UCM Athletics Department. Our donors and supporters are second to none, and we are so thankful for all they do to support UCM," Snyder added.

Nearly 400 items were available to bid on to support the Mules & Jennies, with more than 30 live auction items.

"We are incredibly appreciative of all the work that goes into making this event a success. This includes Sodexo campus catering, facilities, planning and operations, custodial services, and the list goes on and on," Snyder said.

"A special thank you to [Coordinator of Donor Engagement & Executive Operations] Macie Wallace," Snyder stated. "Her dedication and effort to this event is what helped it become one of the most successful in recent history. We would also like to thank the Nigro Brothers Auctioneers for their 24 years of being a part of the athletic auction. Finally, we'd like to thank the band Twice On Sunday for providing outstanding live music for the event."

Be sure to save the date for the 2026 Celebrating Central Missouri Athletics Auction: August 7.