MNU President’s Honors Gala April 8, 2016
Benefits Student Scholarships: Honors Olathe Philanthropists Edgar and Maron Moore
OLATHE, Kan. — The President’s Honors Gala, MNU’s premier annual fundraising event to benefit student scholarships, is set for April 8, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. in Cook Center on MNU’s Olathe Campus. Now in its fifth year, generous donors have contributed nearly $2 million through this event. This year organizers hope to raise an additional $500,000 for scholarship purposes.
The event features an elegant dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment and celebrations of generosity that directly impact students’ education. This year’s honorees include Olathe icons Edgar and Maron Moore who will be honored posthumously with MNU’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Edgar Moore, a 1972 graduate of MNU, was a farmer and a Kansas State Representative of the 26th District. At age 62 Moore completed his bachelor’s degree at MidAmerica, having become involved with the university due to the influence of then president R. Curtis Smith. Moore married Maron Lorimer, a career educator, in 1979 and the two became civic leaders and philanthropists. Recipients of the Moores’ generosity include 4-H, Mahaffie Farmstead and Stagecoach Stop, Johnson County Community College, MNU and many more. Edgar passed in 1991 and Maron passed in 2015 at the age of 99.
”Between Maron’s passion for education and Edgar’s experience as a life-long learner, it is not surprising that they focused their giving on organizations that sought to improve the community through learning,” says Jon North, vice president for university advancement. “We are proud to honor their legacy and memory at President’s Honors.”
Honorary co-chairs for the event are the Dr. Larry and Donna McIntire family of Joplin, Missouri, who are Presenting Sponsors. Other sponsors include:
Legacy Sponsors – The Otto Theel Family
Presenting Sponsors – Tim and Gail Buchanan and the McIntyre Family
Platinum Sponsors – Barkman Honey
D.Ray and Elaine Cook Foundation – Olathe Medical Center
This year’s auction will include everything from artwork, sports memorabilia, collectible coins and gift certificates, to unique packages and experiences—including a private sportfishing opportunity in Alaska (valued at more than $50,000).
Tickets for the Gala start at $100 and are still available for groups and individuals. Sponsorships at varying levels are available as well. Visit www.presidenthonors.org for ticket and sponsor information.