RAPID CITY --- South Dakota School of Mines Athletics partnered with Northwestern Mutual of Rapid City, Alex's Lemonade Stand, and a number of other local sponsors this past weekend to not only bring awareness for childhood cancer, but also raised over $10,000 thanks to a number of charitable donations and a football jersey online auction.
 
"Hardrocker athletics wants to send out a big thank you to everyone that participated in the online jersey auction," said Hardrocker Associate Athletic Director and online auction coordinator Tiffany McCampbell. "We greatly appreciate your support of the Hardrocker football program and Alex's Lemonade Stand." 
 
The Hardrockers faced Chadron State College at O'Harra Stadium in Rapid City last Saturday in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup. SD Mines auctioned off special jerseys worn during that game in a fundraising effort for Alex's Lemonade Stand and Hardrocker Football.
 
"Those uniforms were awesome," said Hardrocker football head coach Zach Tinker. "I want to thank Northwestern Mutual for an unbelievable job in terms of putting that fundraiser together. It was a great event and I can't wait to do something again like that."
 
The online auction started Oct. 10 and ran to midnight Oct. 22. Hardrocker football fans had the opportunity to register online and bid on their favorite number. After the auction, winning bidders were notified through email.
 
Alex's Lemonade Stand is a charity devoted to raising money and awareness for childhood cancer causes, primarily for research into new treatments and cures, and to encourage and empower others, especially children, to get involved and make a difference for children with cancer.   
 
In addition to the jersey auction, several other events were held to raise funds for Alex's Lemonade Stand, including an actual lemonade stand at the football game along with a tailgate hosted by Northwestern Mutual as well as a 5-kilometer run held the morning before the football game.
 
"Hardrocker Athletics would like to thank Northwestern Mutual for allowing us to be included in such a great cause," said SD Mines Athletic Director Joel Lueken. "We were thrilled to be included and hope we can grow this in the future."