Liggett Knight raises more than half a million dollars

University Liggett School’s annual auction, Liggett Knight, raised more than half a million dollars to support academic initiatives, building improvements, athletic equipment and more. The April 22 event, held at the Detroit Athletic Club, included live, silent and fishbowl auctions as well as a special paddle call for the school’s outdoor expansion initiative. The paddle raising alone raised nearly $157,000 for the development and improvement of outdoor facilities and equipment, including a new pavilion for educational and event use, and upgraded play equipment. Additionally, the event’s live and silent auctions brought in a total of $150,000, and Liggett Knight sponsorships brought in a record-setting $136,500. Faculty and staff items and experiences raised in excess of $29,000. “We would like to express our thanks to our Liggett Knight co-chairs, Dr. Raz and Carla Haladjian, and to all of our Liggett Knight volunteers whose leadership and hard work made possible yet another successful night of fundraising,” said Cressie Boggs, director of development and alumni relations. “We are also grateful for our generous bidders, donors and sponsors, whose generosity made Liggett Knight 2022 an exceptionally rewarding event.” Since its inception in 2011, Liggett Knight has raised more than $4 million for school initiatives. Popular live auction items included luxury trips Cabo San Lucas and Charleston, SC; 18k gold and diamond earrings and necklace donated by edmund t. AHEE Jewelers; a comprehensive bathroom remodel package; and a six-person loge box at Little Caesars Arena to see the sold-out Justin Bieber concert. Liggett parents, faculty and staff donated items for the auction.