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.

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.