March 1, 2010

LONG BEACH STATE BRINGS COMMUNITY TO CAMPUS

Like all athletics programs today, Long Beach State University has made it a priority to have the community more involved with our student-athletes. The biggest fundraiser for Long Beach State athletics has been "Jewels of the Night."

"Jewels of the Night," is going into its 16th year here at The Beach. This is a one night event that encompasses our student-athletes, coaches, donors and volunteers from the community. "Jewels of the Night," is a silent auction, live auction and taste of Long Beach. On average, we have close to 1,000 people attend this wonderful event.

Over the last few years, this event had become stagnant and it was time for a change. We reached out to get new community members involved and changed the format of the program. The committee that was put together included more than 50 volunteers from the community. The chair of the committee was a longtime donor to the program who was very active not only in the city of Long Beach, but with the entire state of California. This helped bring fresh, new ideas, as well as pushed corporations to get involved in the event.

"Jewels of the Night," has matured into a volunteer driven event, rather than a staff driven one. The committee reaches out to more than 50+ restaurants, where they have the opportunity to showcase their menus to a very diverse group attending the event. With more than 5,000 silent auction items, patrons have a chance to bid on items such as trips around the world, on field experiences with some of our former student-athletes who have made it to the professional ranks and sports memorabilia.

We have our student-athletes in attendance, because this of course is to help raise money for student-athlete scholarships. There is nothing better than to have community members spend some quality time with our student-athletes.

As most auctions are black tie affairs, "Jewels of the Night" sticks with The Beach theme and the attire is more "Tommy Bahama" and less dressy.

This event has turned into much more than just a fundraiser for Long Beach State athletics. It is the one night that we can showcase how truly special our student-athletes are.

About Adam Wald: Adam Wald is in his third year as associate athletics director for external relations. His primary role is running the day-to-day activities of the annual fund, work with the 49er Athletics Club Board of Advisors, as well as oversight of the marketing department.

Prior to his role at Long Beach State, Adam spent time with ISP Sports - UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Arizona State University and Lynn University.

A graduate from The University of Central Florida, as well as earning a master's degree in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University in Miami, Fla., Adam currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif. with his wife Jessica and son AJ.