Pirate Blue Hosts Sixth Annual Beefsteak Tip-Off
10/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Pirate Blue
PHOTO GALLERY
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - The Pirate Blue Athletic Fund held its sixth annual Pirate Blue Beefsteak Tip-Off Dinner last night in Walsh Gym, raising over $90,000 for Seton Hall Athletics, nearly a 20% increase from 2013. A record crowd of more than 500 fans, alumni and friends enjoyed this year's dinner making it sold out for the fifth straight year.
The Pirate Blue Beefsteak event has become a signature annual event amongst the Pirate faithful. This year, Seton Hall men's basketball radio play-by-play voice Gary Cohen, emceed the program. Women's basketball head coach Tony Bozzella and men's basketball head man Kevin Willard joined Gary on stage to provide a season preview and introduce their teams to all the Pirate faithful. A highlight for all in attendance was the chance to interact with all the players and coaches as well as partake in a Q&A session during the program.
"This event is special for a lot of reasons," said Director of Athletics Pat Lyons. "We have 500 people coming here and this is a great way to tip off the season with the Pirate Blue family."
"Our programs are definitely on the rise," Lyons continued. "Tony Bozzella exceeded expectations last year with the women's program. He did an incredible job. As for the men's side, we have a top 15 recruiting class and the fans are very excited, as they should be. They've been with us through thick and thin."
The evening featured an extensive silent auction with a variety of items including, vacations, golf foursomes, and memorabilia. Several sponsors provided critical funding for the evenings event, including: Gourmet Dining LLC, Hodges Party Rentals, Adison & Partners, Country Club Services, MTM Resources, the Aimetti, O'Brien and Sloan families, Reliance Graphics, and Zimmerer, Murray, Conyngham & Kunzier.
"I love this group," said men's basketball head coach Kevin Willard. "You will love this group. Our veterans have had as good of a summer as I've ever seen in progression, and this freshman class has done all the right things. I'm really excited for this year."
"The Pirate Blue family means everything to me," said women's basketball head coach Tony Bozzella. "They're so important to our girls. Our team loves the fans. They've formed a great connection. It's why Seton Hall is such a special place."
Becoming an event sponsor is an excellent way to support Pirate Blue and will ensure your spot for next year's Beefsteak Dinner. Please contact the Pirate Blue office at 973-275-6447 or pirateblue@shu.edu for more information.
The Pirate Blue Athletic Fund directly supports the Seton Hall Department of Athletics and our 200+ student athletes. Pirate Blue strives to embrace and engage the most dedicated Pirate fans within the Seton Hall community to further promote the passion and camaraderie that makes the University so unique. You can make a tax-deductible contribution and join Pirate Blue today by calling 973-275-6447 or visiting www.pirateblue.com.
