A year ago, LaVerne Speed Changnon captivated the crowd with his bid to become the first Keeper of the Battle Bird at the First Annual Redbird Club Dinner and Auction. This years An Evening With the Redbirds Sept. 22 at Redbird Arena will include the search for a successor to Changnons role.
The event begins with a silent auction and reception at 5:30 p.m.. Dinner follows at 7 p.m., with a live auction starting at 8 p.m.
Changnon, a Redbird tennis player in the post-World War II era and a member of Illinois States Varsity-I Club, came to the auction as part of reunion of the 1950 Redbird tennis team. The retired teacher now living in Florida bid for sponsorship of the Battle Bird, a mounted Redbird head which all Illinois State athletes touch for inspiration before all home events.
Along with Redbird memorabilia and merchandise, fans will be able to bid on quality items supplied by sports stars Mark McGwire, Dale Earnhardt, Derek Jeter and Drew Brees, among others. Vacation trips as well as exclusive travel opportunities with Redbird sports teams also will be available.
Tickets are $40 per person and include hors doevers, dinner and complimentary beverages. For reservations, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
