EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE Athletics hosted the 2026 Red & Black Benefit presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy at the Hilton at the Ballpark in St. Louis on Saturday, April 18. The Red & Black Benefit presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy is SIUE Athletics' largest annual fundraiser, and this year's event generated record-breaking support for the Cougars more than 270 student-athletes.
The 2026 Red & Black Benefit proved to be record-breaking across the board, with tremendous engagement and generosity from those in attendance generating more than $250,000. Proceeds from the event benefit the Cougars Champions Fund, which was established last year to engage and expand SIUE's donor base, strengthen its financial foundation, and support student-athletes both in competition and beyond.
"This year's Red & Black Benefit presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy did not disappoint," said
Andrew Gavin, Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics. "We're continuing to raise the bar for SIUE Athletics, and our donors and supporters continue to respond with their engagement and generosity!"
Elements such as the silent and live auctions to the excitement of Heads or Tails presented by J.F. Electric and the Bling Ring presented by Megan Claussen RE/MAX Alliance, each element of the evening saw outstanding participation.
The paddle raise was especially impactful, as supporters came together in a powerful way to elevate the night's success and further invest in the future of SIUE student-athletes.
The event featured some exciting and truly meaningful moments, including a VIP Pre-Party presented by Lantz Homes which had music performed by Spencer McDole Music, and a post party celebration with music performed by the Ryan & Rainn Duo made possible by the Opel Bash Group.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, STEERING COMMITTEE AND OUR GUESTS
Without the support of many, this event would not have been possible!
THANK YOU… to the 290+ guests who attended this year's event, generously donating their time, resources and excitement to SIUE Athletics.
THANK YOU… to our 2026 steering committee who dedicated their time, energy, and collaboration to help elevate this event:
- Jeff Bash
- Megan Claussen
- Liz Claussen
- Emily Gates
- Ashley Gavin
- Logan Green
- Ryan Grimes
- Jennifer Hertel
- Stephanie Lantz
- Jonathan Lee
- Jack McDole
- Chad Opel
- Tara Riggs
THANK YOU… to the numerous sponsors who invested in this great event:
- Presenting Sponsor: Simmons Hanly Conroy
- Premier Sponsors: Lantz Homes, Megan Claussen RE/MAX Alliance, J.F. Electric, BJC, Timi's Tours
- VIP Sponsors: Gori Law Firm, Hawthorne Animal Hospital, Carrollton Bank, Tailored Gents, Craftsmen, Prairie Farms, Chick Fritz, Tindall Construction, Front Office, RG Real Estate, The Gates Family
- Supporting Sponsors: Paul & Kay Guse, The Gates Family
THANK YOU… to the companies and individuals who donated items and experiences in support the Red & Black silent and live auctions. Over 100 auction items were sold this year!
THANK YOU… to the SIUE Athletics staff and the Ballpark Hilton for their dedication and hard work to plan and execute this event! Thank you especially to Assistant AD/Administration and Special Events Laura Smith-Keck for her leadership and hard work to make the 2026 Red & Black a night to remember!
THANK YOU… to Raising Paddles and our auctioneer Ashlie for all the work they put in!
