Event History

A Historical Perspective

In 1998, CSU Monterey Bay was just a fledgling University with little or no internal scholarships to offer to students. Then Director of Financial Aid, Bonnie Brown, opted to host a small breakfast in her home, with a few silent auction items and the Student Success Auction was born.

Over the next several years, the event continued to flourish, In 2001, the Have a Heart for Students Dinner and Auction planning committee was formed to include campus and community members. In its new configuration, faculty and staff members were invited to participate as servers and Athletics and the Alumni Association were encouraged to pursue the opportunity to solicit donations for their own scholarships, making it a campus-wide event. To reflect the multi-cultural diversity of CSU Monterey Bay, various countries were selected for thematic references. Cultures celebrated included, but not limited to, Greece, China, Mexico, Italy, Brazil, and France. Of the original community members, Sue Antle and Leslie Taylor remain, but they have been joined by a cross-section of both Salinas Valley and Monterey Peninsula supporters.

Past Themes

2002 Hawaii
2003 Greece
2004 China
2005 Mexico
2006 Italy
2007 Brazil
2008 Africa
2009 France
2010 Home Sweet Home
2011 Making a World a Difference
 

A Unique Opportunity

Have a Heart for Students Dinner and Auction offers donors a unique opportunity to support a worthy cause while showcasing their business to a very valuable market sector, as well as be aligned with the tri-county area’s only CSU. This event is regularly attended by over 250 local community leaders and decision-makers. Donors can participate in many ways from sponsorships at various levels, donating silent and/or live auction items, and by attending the event. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to John Houseman, Major Gifts Officers at (831) 582-3131 or via email at jhouseman@csumb.edu.