NEO Development Foundation’s Golden Gala raises over $120,000 for student scholarships

MIAMI, Okla. — The NEO Development Foundation’s Golden Gala was a resounding success, raising more than $120,000 to provide scholarships for students at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO). The elegant event featured a live and silent auction, heartfelt student testimony, and concluded with a record-breaking round of donations that surpassed previous fundraising efforts set during NEO’s centennial celebration.

Kyle Stafford, President of NEO, emphasized the life-changing impact of scholarships for students, noting that this achievement would not have been possible without the support of the community. “Our students rely on scholarships to make their educational dreams a reality. The incredible generosity of our community helps remove financial barriers and provides life-changing opportunities for NEO students,” said Stafford. “We are deeply grateful for the continued investment in the future of our students and our college.”

Ryan Orcutt, Executive Director of the NEO Development Foundation, also expressed his appreciation for the community’s commitment to student success. “This year’s Golden Gala was a record-breaking night, thanks to the unwavering support of our generous donors and sponsors,” said Orcutt. “Each donation makes a lasting impact on our students, and we are thrilled to see our community come together in such a powerful way.”

The evening included an inspiring speech from Jiro Cardenas, Vice President of the NEO Student Body Government and a sophomore from Houston, Texas. Cardenas spoke about the transformative effect that scholarships have had on his NEO experience, underscoring the importance of supporting students in their academic pursuits.

Guests demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm throughout the event, and a surge of donations at the end of the evening helped set a new fundraising milestone. The proceeds from the Golden Gala will continue to make higher education more accessible for NEO students, enabling them to thrive and succeed in their academic journeys.

For more information on the NEO Development Foundation or to support student scholarships, please visit neo.edu/foundation or contact Executive Director of Development, Ryan Orcutt at ryan.orcutt@neo.edu or 918-540-6250.

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