Blue & White Dinner Auction Surpasses Fundraising Goal in Sold-Out Night of Support for WWU Men’s Rugby

The WWU Men’s Rugby Alumni Association Blue & White Dinner Auction delivered a memorable and highly successful evening this year, as a sold-out crowd of 190 guests came together in support of the program. With 50 players serving guests throughout the night, the event showcased the strength of the WWU Rugby community and the momentum surrounding the continued growth of the program.

While final figures are still being finalized, the event is projected to raise approximately $112,000, surpassing the evening’s fundraising goal of $100,000. The result marks a major milestone for the program and reflects the extraordinary generosity of alumni, parents, supporters, and friends of WWU Men’s Rugby.

A significant part of the event’s success came from the tremendous backing of its sponsors, who filled every sponsorship category and contributed more than $30,000 in cash and in-kind donations. The program extends sincere thanks to Title Sponsor Worth Davis Family Fund, along with The Foundation for WWU & Alumni, BTX, Beach Cat Brewing, Dr. Gerry Prody, Jack’s Bar, Southside Bar, Seattle RFC, Stemma Brewing, Coating Unlimited, NGSI Signage, Safeway, Haggen, Fred Meyer, WinCo Foods, Mary Friar, and Michele Henderson for their valuable support.

A key factor in the evening’s success was the partnership with Kim O’Neill, Vice President for University Advancement and President & CEO of The Foundation for WWU & Alumni. Through the Foundation’s support, meals and soft drinks were provided for all guests and players, facility use rates were reduced, and printing needs were covered—support that proved instrumental in helping the event reach and exceed its fundraising goal. Without that partnership, hosting an event of this scale on campus would not have been possible.

The Blue & White Dinner Auction was led by Chairperson Nicole Mathis, who assembled an exceptional committee that included Jeff Lombard, Jonny & Debbie Chambers, Cristin & Pat Ebert, Paul & Robin Horne, Eric Mathis, Tanit Bruix-Fuste, Vincent Petisme, Peyton Pitman, Adam Kopp with Madak, and Daryn Peterson of The Foundation for WWU & Alumni. Additional volunteers also stepped in on the morning of the event to help set up auction tables and prepare for the evening.

Guests were also treated to a strong lineup of featured speakers and event leadership. USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren served as keynote speaker, while Paul Horne, Director of WWU Rugby, led the evening as Master of Ceremonies. Auctioneer Allan Fee brought energy and professionalism to the live auction, helping keep the event moving and engaging throughout the night.

The evening was made even more special by the involvement of the WWU Men’s Rugby team, who played a major role in serving guests, alumni, parents, and supporters throughout the event. Led by Past President Gabe Galvez, Captain Harry Moore, and incoming 2026–2027 President Gus Sorensen, the team represented the program with professionalism and pride following an earlier 54–12 victory over the University of Oregon at Harrington Field.

The success of the Blue & White Dinner Auction is another reflection of the powerful community that continues to rally behind WWU Men’s Rugby. From donors and sponsors to alumni, families, players, and volunteers, the evening highlighted just how much support exists for the future of the program.

Supporters who want to stay involved are also encouraged to Join the WRA (Western Rugby Alumni) and continue helping build the future of WWU Men’s Rugby through ongoing engagement and support.

Learn More: https://www.wwurugby.org/alumni/alumni#members

The program also invites attendees to share photos from the event. Anyone with photos from the Blue & White Dinner Auction is encouraged to send them to Nicole Mathis at nicolewwurugbymom@gmail.com. With permission, select photos may be featured on the WWU Rugby website.

The 2026 Blue & White Dinner Auction was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of community, belief, and the continued rise of WWU Men’s Rugby.

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