Ruston, LA - The Louisiana Tech University Faculty and Staff Club hosted its eighth annual live auction during the November 2025 luncheon, raising $5,445 to support two vital campus programs: the Good Nutrition Mission Food Pantry and the Parkinson Resource Center.
The event, held Nov. 4 at the Davison Athletic Complex, brought together faculty and staff for fellowship, fun, and philanthropy. The live auction, led by Dr. Gary Kennedy, dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, raised $3,270 for the Food Pantry and $2,175 for the Parkinson Resource Center.
Founded in 2017 by Dr. Catherine Fontenot, associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, the Good Nutrition Mission Food Pantry was created to address student food insecurity on campus. Sponsored by the Student Dietetic Association, the Pantry provides nonperishable food items to Louisiana Tech students in need and offers volunteer opportunities for students in nutrition and dietetics, as well as others who wish to serve.
“Funding for the pantry has always been a challenge,” Fontenot said. “But support from events like this helps ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our students throughout the year.”
The Parkinson Resource Center (PRC) at Louisiana Tech was established through a grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation and developed by Dr. Tara Haskins and Dr. Donna Hood in Tech’s Division of Nursing. The PRC provides education, resources, and community support for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, connecting them to programs that improve health and quality of life.
“The support of the University’s faculty and staff through the auction is an important part of continuing the tremendous, collaborative work that our faculty, staff, and students do to support the Parkinson’s community from across north Louisiana,” Hood said.
Other notable donations included handcrafted holiday greeting cards from Dr. Elaine Thompson, associate professor of History; custom desserts from Jennifer Caskey, known on campus as “The Cheesecake Lady”; and ribeye steaks from the Tech Farm, auctioned with the help of Dr. Mark Murphey, academic program chair for Agricultural Sciences.
Ryan Richard, chief of staff for presidential initiatives, assisted Kennedy as a bid spotter and provided a coveted reserved parking space for the 2025–26 academic year, donated by the Office of the President.
A crowd favorite, bringing a top bid of $510 from Provost Donna Thomas, was a private shopping experience at The Fashion of Ruston for a small group, which included hors d’oeuvres from Uptown Downtown and a gift card.
Additional contributions came from local businesses and campus partners, including Smith Family Farms, House of Colour’s Rebecca Smart, and Enhanced Skin and Beauty.
“What makes this auction special is the collaboration across our campus community,” Kennedy said. “Faculty, staff, and local partners all come together to support our students and friends of the Food Pantry and the Parkinson Resource Center. It’s truly a win-win for everyone involved.”