KISS lead Guitarist’s Red Carpet Benefit Boosts Pacific University’s Legends Classic

Forest Grove, July 29th. An all-star cast from the worlds of music and sports helped KISS lead guitarist Tommy Thayer put together another  successful fundraiser for Pacific University Athletics. The 2012 Pacific University Legends Classic, hosted by the Beaverton native, grossed more than $360,000 to benefit the University’s 21-sport NCAA Division III athletics program. The event was held at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha.

The energetic crowd enjoyed a rocking night of music with over 20 celebrities from the worlds of music, sports and entertainment. More than 350 people attended the dinner, auction, and concert. The benefit concert brought together a hall of fame lineup of some greats from the world of music. Joining Thayer on stage were Night Ranger front man Jack Blades and drummer Kelly Keagy, the Eagles’ original lead guitarist, Don Felder; legendary guitarist Robby Krieger from the Doors, original Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine, country musician/comedian Gary Mule Deer and acclaimed Portland-based jazz saxophonist Patrick Lamb.

“It was another magical event,” said Thayer. “I sincerely thank everyone who made the 2012 Legends Classic such a great success. I am looking forward to another exciting event in 2013.”

Other highlights of the 2012 Pacific University Legends Classic included:
• A special appeal during the live auction raised over $64,000 for the Boxer Learning Center, a state-of-the-art audio-visual learning in the University’s Stoller Center. Featuring the latest interactive video technology, the center will allow Pacific teams to review game tape, watch live video and strategize for success.

• Joining Thayer in supporting Pacific athletics in the two-day event were PGA professionals Casey Martin, Brian Henninger, and Tommy Masters; LPGA standouts Stephanie Louden, Paige Mackenzie, and Perry Swenson; former Portland Trail Blazers Bobby Gross and Jerome Kersey; NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine, former Oregon football coach and ESPN analyst Mike Bellotti and former Major League Baseball player Richie Sexson. Shauna Parsons, anchor of Fox 12 Oregon’s Ten ‘O Clock News, served as master of ceremonies for Sunday’s dinner, auction, and concert.

• Terry Boyd and Ron Callan of KPAM-AM 860 broadcast both of their shows live from the tournament on Monday, which included interviews with most of the event’s celebrity guests.

Pacific University enrolls 3,302 students, who represent all 50 states and 23 foreign countries. The University strives to provide an education of exceptional quality in liberal arts and sciences and selected professional programs, in preparing students for service to a changing community, nation, and world. The video below offers more information about the University.