Eastern Kentucky men’s basketball team held its annual fundraiser at Chenault Winery Friday night and raised $102,000 surpassing the $100,000 goal.
The theme for the night was the celebration of their first conference title in 45 years. Coach Hamilton introduced nine new players to the roster. Devontae Blanton is back for his senior year, and Coach Hamilton is thrilled to have him leading the Colonels.
Colleen Spencer thanked all the sponsors and welcomed everyone. Next, Colleen introduced Chelsea Hamilton, the all-girl cheerleading coach and Coach Hamilton’s wife. Chelsea thanked EKU for giving her the opportunity to lead the EKU cheerleading squads to national championships and also thanked her husband for everything that he does for their family.
Coach Hamilton personally thanked Kim and Rodney Davis and Ernie and Kim House with special presentations. Kim and Rodney Davis received a framed #1 EKU basketball jersey for all their support, and Ernie and Kim House received a framed #45 EKU basketball jersey signifying EKU’s first conference championship in 45 years.
Carrie Hamilton Lepore and Chelsea Hamilton received matching “Most Exciting 40 Minutes” EKU basketball jerseys. Virgil Grant was presented the “Hero-Maker Belt” for all his hard work helping to plan the 2024 fundraiser event. Judge Chuck Harden was thanked for helping his son run the Maroon Fund. Colleen Spencer received a piece of the EKU basketball floor for her contribution to the fundraiser.
One of the truly special presentations of the night featured Coach Hamilton presenting his mother-in-law with a bouquet of flowers and thanking her for her positive attitude during her struggle with cancer.
A live auction followed the celebration where auctioneer Ken DeGrant helped Coach Hamilton and the EKU basketball team surpass their goal of $100,000. Thirty ASUN Championship basketballs were auctioned during the evening. Another highlight of the evening was an EKU painted bottle of Woodford Reserve that was painted during the evening by Fiona Vitullo. It truly was a one-of-a-kind bottle that just made the evening quite special.
Kudos to all involved in contributing to a wonderful evening!
