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Officials from the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) Development Foundation report that the annual fundraising gala raised nearly $70,000. The “Unmask a Dream” gala was held on Thursday, Nov. 2 in the Calcagno Family Ballroom and included both a live and silent auction, with items donated by community members and businesses. This year, the Development Foundation raised an additional $27,000 to purchase new uniforms for the Norwegian Legion marching band, the only two-year college marching band in the state of Oklahoma. “We had an amazing night, thanks to the generous support of so many people who believe in the mission of NEO,” said Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “With the funds raised, the NEO Foundation will help students realize the dream of a college education and provide financial support to campus programs and initiatives. During the evening, we also raised money to purchase new uniforms for the Norwegian Legion. The guests rose to the challenge and raised $27,000, which is a true testament to the impact they have made on campus.”

Buffalo Run General Manager and NEO Foundation Trustee Steve Bashore served as the emcee for “Unmask a Dream.” During dinner, a jazz ensemble of NEO students from the Bahamas provided entertainment Brian Mooney again served as guest auctioneers for the live auction items. Items included a Las Vegas vacation, two custom NEO neon signs, and a hunting trip at Claythorn Lodge, among others. The total amount raised during the auctions and scholarship drive was nearly $70,000, bringing the two-year total to nearly $150,000. The funds from the event benefit NEO students through scholarships and student services. Photos from the event can be found at www.facebook.com/gogoneo (Photo: Dr. Jeff and Donna Hale showed off their masks at the annual fundraising gala.)