ELON, N.C. – Headlined by nationally known humorist and avid Elon fan Jeanne Robertson, Elon University’s annual the Night of the Phoenix event is scheduled to take place on Friday, Feb. 19. Now in its ninth year, the annual Phoenix Club event will begin at 6 p.m. inside Alumni Gym on Elon’s campus.
Last year’s event raised $164,300, and over the last eight years, more than $900,000 has been raised by the Phoenix Club for student-athlete scholarship support. The Phoenix Club Advisory Board and Elon’s Department of Athletics coordinate the event.
Following dinner and a silent auction with nearly 200 items, including several luxurious getaways and experiences, Robertson will take the stage to provide the night’s entertainment. Robertson has been a professional speaker and humorist for 53 years and has been awarded every top honor in her profession. With more than 31 million views on her YouTube channel, she laughingly refers to herself today as “Grandma Gone Viral.” Speaking to thousands of people annually, Robertson utilizes her positively funny style to illustrate that a sense of humor is much more than a laughing matter. Robertson has also been interviewed on CBS’s long-running show “60 Minutes” and is featured daily on SiriusXM Radio’s “Laugh USA” family comedy channel, where she mentions Elon in many of her stories.
An Elon trustee since 2003, Robertson and her husband, Jerry, have provided major gifts for facility projects at the university in addition to endowing multiple student-athlete scholarships. Two of the most steadfast Phoenix fans, the Robertsons are among Elon’s most loyal and generous benefactors.
Patrons can purchase tables at the event, which is expected to sell out again this year. A “Maroon” table can be secured for $1,000 ($400 tax deductible), while a “Gold” table, which includes dinner with an Elon coach and VIP parking, is $1,500 ($800 tax deductible). Individual seats at tables are available for $150 ($50 tax deductible) at a “Maroon” table and $200 ($100 tax deductible) at a “Gold” table.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Phoenix Club. For additional information on the event or to purchase a table, contact Carrie Ritzler at 336-278-6503 or critzler@elon.edu.