Jacksonville, AL – The newly renamed 1883 Red Tie Dinner and Auction at Jacksonville State University set a new fundraising benchmark on Friday, February 6, generating a record-breaking $177,395.50 to support the university’s 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. Organizers reported that 375 tickets were sold, including 129 individual tickets and sponsor-supported admissions, with sponsorships alone contributing $75,000.
The evening featured both live and silent auctions offering a combined 100 items, including 81 silent auction packages and 19 live auction experiences. The live auction generated $64,400, while the silent auction added $14,473 to the total.
This year’s event introduced a new ticketed format designed to strengthen the connection between the celebration and its philanthropic purpose. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the 1883 Greatest Need Fund, which provides flexible 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.”
Named for the university’s founding year, the 1883 Greatest Need Fund enables leadership to allocate resources where they are most urgently needed, unlike designated gifts that must be used for specific purposes.
Dr. Alan Medders, Vice President for Philanthropy, said the success of the event reflects both 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 1883 Red Tie Dinner and Auction has become a signature philanthropic event for the university, bringing together alumni, community members, and supporters to invest in student success. The milestone builds on cumulative fundraising that surpassed $1 million in 2025, reflecting continued growth and impact.
