K-Staters raised a record $300,000 in scholarship funds for Kansas City-area students at the fifth annual Wabash CannonBall March 4 at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel. 

Since the inaugural Wabash CannonBall in 2007, more than $1 million has been raised. Twenty-five students were awarded $2,500 scholarships. Five eligible students will have the opportunity to renew the scholarship for the 2012-2013 school year. 

"We are excited about the tremendous success of this gala event," said Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. "In addition to scholarship funds, the Wabash CannonBall provided a wonderful venue to showcase the university and afforded more visibility for the more than 23,000 alumni living in the Kansas City area." 

Funds raised at the event were a result of the "Fund a Wildcat" program. Each attendee had the opportunity to donate to the scholarship endowment. The total donation from each table determined their eligibility in the prize drawing, which included iPads, flat-screen televisions, Tiffany & Co. amethyst pendants, digital cameras, portable DVD players, hotel getaway packages, restaurant gift certificates and more. 

"K-Staters never cease to amaze me with their generosity and loyalty to this great university," said Darchelle Martin, associate director of alumni programs, who serves on the Wabash CannonBall planning committee. 

The program included a welcome from committee chair couple Bryan and Lou Ann Biggs. Greg Musil kept the crowd entertained for the fifth consecutive year as the master of ceremonies. The K-State crowd watched a video (view video above), featuring three Wabash CannonBall scholarship winners and past event speakers. K-State Athletics Director John Currie also shared brief remarks with the audience. 

The gala could not have happened without the 52 generous sponsors, including underwriters Cereal Food Processors, Inc., Paul and Sandy Edgerley and Regnier Family Foundations/Bank of Blue Valley. 

The band Atlantic Express, invited back for the fifth year, entertained the Wildcats with tunes from Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and other favorites all through the night.  

2011 Wabash CannonBall Chairs
Bryan '75, '77 and Lou Ann '76 Biggs

View photos from the event on Facebook