                           John Costigan (l to r), NC State Football Coach Tom O’Brien & Rey Arias present a check to              1st Sgt. Crafton from the US Marine Corps Reserve             for Toys for Tots. | 
                On  Thursday, December 10, 2009, 99.9 The Fan hosted a very special event at Rey’s  Restaurant, An Evening with Coach Tom O’Brien benefiting the US Marine  Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.               Participants and sponsors were  treated to a meal at Rey’s, bid on one-of-a-kind items, and heard from NC  State’s Head Football Coach, Tom O’Brien, all while raising valuable dollars  for Toys for Tots. 
Tom  O’Brien, a Major in the US Marine Corps Reserve became involved with the Toys  for Tots program while he served in the Marines. Coach O’Brien served at  the Quantico Marine Base in Quantico, Va., and tours of duty in California  and Japan.
In a joint  effort with Wolfpack Sports Marketing, tables and sponsorships were sold for  the event. Guests were able to bid on items in the silent auction that  included: A Dan Marino signed jersey, a Kay Yow autographed collage, Mario  Williams autographed football, sports tickets, hotel stays and much more. 
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 Read more about this join venture between two CBC divisions – 99.9 The Fan & Wolfpack Sports Marketing: 
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Following  dinner and a Q&A session with Coach O’Brien, Don Shay, former TV host took  over as the live auctioneer. Those items included a Philips Rivers autographed  San Diego Chargers jersey, an Arnold Palmer autographed Lonnie Poole Golf Flag,  a NASCAR Racing Experience and a beautiful framed autographed Jim Valvano  piece. The final Jimmy V piece was sold for an outstanding $3,000!
After all  the calculations were made, Tom O’Brien and the US Marine Corps Reserve was  presented a check for $24,188. A special thanks to all of our sponsors and  attendees for making this a wonderful evening. 
Thanks to  99.9 The Fan’s Brandon Alexander for this capcom story & photo.