The Catbacker organization that supports Kansas State University and the Ahearn Fund is growing, and making their impact felt in many ways around the campus.
The Manhattan Catbackers is led by Charlotte Schartz, a 1971 Kansas State graduate. Charlotte keeps her members busy throughout the year with several events designed to “raise fans” while raising funds to support the Kansas State student athlete.
The Manhattan Catbackers donated to several groups last year. Contributions were made last year to the Kansas State marching band, cheer squad, golf teams and even the Hale Library on top of their $17,500 donation to the Ahearn Fund.
Every January The Manhattan Catbackers have their annual Call Hall Ice Cream Social in the Legends room of Bramlage Coliseum. Last year over 100 members of the Catbackers organization from around the state packed the Legends room to mingle, enjoy some ice cream, win door prizes, and make donations to the Catbackers.
The big event for the Manhattan Catbackers happens in June of every year. After months of planning and many meetings among the members, they host a golf tournament at Colbert Hills.
This event will draw several competitors and sponsors. Competitors enjoy a day on a great course, lunch and contest prizes throughout the day. They also receive a goodie bag containing several items donated by local businesses.
Sponsors will make a donation to the event, in return they will be recognized with golf flags containing their company logo along with the Manhattan Catbackers logo being placed around the course. Once the day’s events are over the flags are signed by someone every year and returned to the sponsor for them to proudly display. The flags have been previously signed by Bill Snyder, Bruce Weber, Brad Hill, Olympian Erik Kynard Jr., Eric Stonestreet, Jordy Nelson and several other K-State celebs. This year they will be signed by Mr. K-State himself, Ernie Barrett.
Most of the years funds are raised at the banquet and auction held every year the evening of the golf tournament at the Alumni Center. Members are treated to a catered dinner and guest speakers which include several Kansas State coaches, student athletes, and the voice of the wildcats Wyatt Thompson.
The room is lined with several silent auction and raffle items, while the marquee items are part of the live auction called by Lon Floyd. Live auction items have included several exciting opportunities such as being a honorary coach for a K-State men’s basketball game, throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game, trips to Puerto Rico, having the cheer squad at your tailgate event, and spots in the annual Harley Day.
The Manhattan Catbackers also have several other events throughout the year including tours of facilities, Catbacker Day at Tointon Family Stadium, dinner with the cheer squad, Catbacker night at Ahearn with the volleyball team, having a booth at the annual Purple Power Play in City Park and participating in the homecoming parade.
A complete list of all the Catbacker clubs can be found on the K-State Alumni Associations website. To get involved, you find the Manhattan Catbackers on Facebook or email [email protected].
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