CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Panther Scholarship Club, in conjunction with University of Northern Iowa athletics, will be holding the first "Rally in the Valley: A Dinner Auction and Purple Tie Affair" on April 18, 2009.

The objective of this event is to help raise new scholarship support for all UNI athletics. It will be held in the McLeod Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a silent action and social hour. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., with a live auction to be held at 8:30 p.m.

"The Cedar Valley has consistently rallied behind the Panthers to support UNI athletics," UNI director of athletics Troy Dannen said. "The Rally in the Valley will quickly become our signature event, as we seek to continue providing the resources necessary for each of our programs to compete at the highest level, and provide the greatest opportunities for our student-athletes."

For more information, please contact Tony DiCecco at 319-273-6443 or via e-mail at tony.dicecco@uni.edu.