TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State Athletics honored The Oakley Foundation and Bud & Annie Perry at the second annual Tried & True Gala for their decades of support for Indiana State University and the Terre Haute community.
 
A crowd of 200-plus turned out on August 5 at Hulman Center for the event as The Oakley Foundation and the Perrys were honored with the Max and Jackie Gibson Award. The award recognizes an athletic supporter who has made a significant and lasting impact on Sycamore Athletics through special service or major philanthropic giving. The honor is the highest recognition given to donors or friends of the program.
 
"Bud and Annie Perry exemplify the true Sycamore Spirit of philanthropy and generosity," ISU President Dr. Deborah Curtis said. "This event gave us the opportunity to lift up two very humble people and thank them for their kindness and altruism."
 
The evening included a video tribute to the Foundation and the Perry family with speakers including Indiana State Senator Jon Ford and former chair of the ISU Board of Trustees Mike Alley.
 
"When I think about Bud and Annie, and the Oakley Foundation, it's really all about what servants they are to our community," Ford said. "They really help so many people in a wide range of areas and have really done it quietly."
 
Said Alley: "When I heard that the Perrys were receiving this award, I was so excited. It's remarkable the impact they have had on the Wabash Valley. They have certainly helped ISU in a number of ways, but that assistance and the leadership (extends) to the Children's Museum, to Ivy Tech, to Rose-Hulman, to their support of Riverscape. Bud and Annie are right there supporting it and you have the Oakley Foundation that is bringing forth that support as well. It has really impacted ISU and Terre Haute in a great way."
 
In his closing remarks, Bud Perry said he was "overcome" by the honor.
 
"We don't expect to be singled out as givers to the university," he said. "There are so many good people that are helping the university out. We're delighted. Annie and I are both happy for ourselves and for the university that we could help out."
 
ISU Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales said numerous people made the event a success.
 
"I am grateful for another strong turnout to honor the Oakley Foundation and Bud & Annie Perry as we get ready to kick off another athletic season," Clinkscales said. "I want to thank our title sponsor, Dorsett Automotive, and all of our sponsors and attendees for their support in this event. Our athletics staff, along with our campus partners Sodexo and Hulman Center, put on a tremendous event this year and I look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come."
 
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