FLORENCE, S.C. – The Francis Marion University Athletic Department will hold its ninth-annual Swamp Fox Club Benefit Auction, Saturday, Feb. 17.

This silent auction will be held in conjunction with that day’s Homecoming 2007 festivities and the men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader with Georgia College & State University. The women’s game will begin at 2 p.m., followed by the men’s contest at 4 p.m.

The silent auction will begin at 1:30 p.m. and end at approximately 5 p.m. It will be held in one of the end zones of the Smith University Center gymnasium.

Participants will have the opportunity to place bids on items in the silent auction until bidding closes at 5 p.m., and then the merchandise will be awarded.   There is no admission charge to the auction, and admission to that day’s basketball games is also free.

All proceeds from the event will go to assist student-athletes and the Patriot athletic program.

Among the items in the auction will be gift certificates, sports apparel, autographed items (Harry Carson football, UNC men’s basketballs), golf packages, tickets to the Darlington race, tickets to the Florence RedWolves, and other items.

For more information about the auction, contact FMU softball coach Stacey Vallee at 843-661-1238.