Freed-Hardeman University’s annual benefit dinner Friday night, Dec. 6. 2019, is on track to break another fund-raising record, according to Dave Clouse, vice president for community engagement. Tickets sold and funds raised have already exceeded those of last year, he said. Proceeds from the dinner help to fund scholarships at FHU.
Nevertheless, tickets and sponsorships are still available to hear NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, Jr. speak at the event. The “speech,” however, will not be a traditional one. Instead, FHU president David R. Shannon will engage Earnhardt in conversation about his career, championships and the concussions he has sustained.
Earnhardt is a third-generation driver in the first-family of NASCAR racing. While his innate ability behind the wheel comes from his Earnhardt DNA, his competitive driving style and business savvy are all his own. His common-sense charisma and flair for originality have made him one of the most popular figures in sports. Race fans have selected him a record 14 consecutive times as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver. His appeal, however, is not limited to race fans, as Earnhardt has appeared on Harris Interactive’s annual survey of America’s Top 10 Favorite Athletes.
Special features to acknowledge FHU’s 150th anniversary will also be a part of the program. In addition to a video prepared especially for the evening, a chorus comprised of FHU students, alumni and friends from several states and various decades will present a program representative of music throughout FHU’s history.
Prior to the program in Loyd Auditorium, guests will be treated to a “completely new dining experience,” Clouse said.
FHU’s annual benefit dinner is typically the state’s largest single-night fundraiser. For the past 19 years, it has generated more than $1 million annually to help students attend FHU. Forever Communications is the premier media sponsor for the event. Other sponsorships begin at $600. To learn more about purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, one may go to fhu.edu/dalejr.
