Coming fresh off their first win in years, the Riverbank High Bruin football program put on its Second Annual Silver and Maroon Football Kick-off. The dinner and auction fundraiser was held Sunday night at the Community Center.
Head Coach Kit Jory, his staff and RHS football players hosted the evening. It featured a barbecued ribs and chicken dinner, silent auction throughout the night, and a live auction for the big ticket items.
The audience was comprised of parents, the football players, family and friends in support of this year’s program.
Coach Jory introduced his staff to the audience and showed a highlights reel produced by the Bruins’ video technician from last year’s games and Friday’s victory against Western Sierra Academy.
He also spoke of the principles he tries to teach his players, noting that the results from character building might not show up on the scoreboard, but become evident years later in the players’ lives.
The silent auction ran before and during the dinner, wrapping up when the live auction was starting. Two long tables of items were displayed, with a sign-up list for each item for bids. Those most interested in the items they were bidding on checked back frequently to make sure theirs was the highest current bid.
A wide variety of items were available for the silent auction. They ranged from framed, mounted photographs from last season to jerseys, football equipment, artwork, and team shirts. They also included tools, certificates for various goods and services, and much more.
Assistant Coach Casey Blevins was called upon to act as auctioneer after the dinner.
Among the live auction items were a personal training boot camp from a physical therapist. Also there were two Bruins Football Fan Packs auctioned, including two each of Homecoming game passes, sideline passes, team shirts, reserved parking and two tri-tip dinners.
Out of the ordinary items in the live auctions included the Bruins Hammer, a custom made chrome super sledgehammer, traditionally carried by a player, leading the team onto the field at each game.
Other items included a football autographed by all members of the team and coaching staff, a team autographed helmet, and the VIP table at the 2017 Kick-off Dinner, which features eight seats, champagne and a personal host.
The biggest items auctioned off were two certificates good for an eight-hour day with the Flight-For-Life Helicopter Crew.
Last but not least, volunteer services for four hours of work were auctioned for three varsity football players and two coaches.
The players included Kevin Gonzalez, Jose Martinez and Eduardo Flores, and coaches included Scott Gordon and Blevins.
