Proceeds from the silent auction at Fresno Magazine’s Best of Fresno Readers Choice Awards presentation Wednesday, Nov. 14, will benefit the Fresno State Alumni Association’s scholarship programs.

Last year the Alumni Association surpassed the $100,000 mark in annual scholarships awarded, providing much-needed financial assistance to many students who are the first in their families to attend college. Fresno State’s Alumni Association leads the alumni groups at all 22 other California State University campuses in scholarship giving.

“The continuation of our scholarship programs and the preservation of Fresno State traditions are vital to the Central Valley’” said Fresno State Alumni Association Executive Director Jacquelyn Glasener. “Giving scholarship opportunities to bright and talented students ensures the continued success of the Central Valley and Fresno State.”

“We are proud that Fresno Magazine recognized our efforts by making us the charity beneficiary of this event,” Glasener added.

For the past several months Fresno Magazine has collected ballots from readers choosing their favorite local businesses and personalities. The top selections will receive awards at a public reception and ceremony that begins at 5 p.m. at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center’s New Exhibit Hall (M and Inyo streets in downtown Fresno).

The event, called “A Red Tie Affair,” includes wine and beer tasting, food served by dozens of area restaurants, music, dancing and the silent auction.

There will be plenty of Fresno State cardinal red with the university’s live mascot, Victor E. Bulldog, and Athletics’ new character mascot, Timeout, plus performances by the Fresno State Cheerleaders, Marching Band and the Bulldog Beat.

Fresno State coaches presenting awards will be Steve Cleveland (men’s basketball), Pat Hill (football), Becky Malmo (equestrian), Angie Cates (women’s golf), Mike Watney (men’s golf) and Simon Thibodeau (women’s tennis). Fresno State President John D. Welty and Vice President of University Advancement Peter Smits also will be presenters.

Tickets purchased in advance are $40, which is $25 less than at the door. Proceeds from tickets sold by the Fresno State Alumni Association go directly to the association.

To attend the Best of Fresno Readers Choice Awards, contact the Fresno State Alumni Association at 559.278.2586 or log on to www.fresnostatealumni.com.