BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Bob Barker, a 1965 Campbell graduate and longtime supporter and advocate for his alma mater, was presented with the 2024 Orange Tie Award, one of the many highlights during this year's Orange Tie Gala.

The second annual Orange Tie Gala, held again at the Marriott City Center in downtown Raleigh on November 22 and hosted by Campbell Athletics and the Fighting Camel Club, celebrated recent achievements in Campbell Athletics, both on and off the field of competition, while raising thousands of dollars for student-athlete scholarships, gathering the top supporters of Campbell Athletics, along with administrators and coaches.

The night's highest honor was presented to Barker, the Orange Tie Award.

"Over the years, Mr. Barker and his wife, Pat, have shown our university and Campbell Athletics unprecedented generosity," said Bazemore.  "Their contributions have made countless projects possible, including on-campus buildings like Barker-Lane Stadium, as well as scholarships and initiatives supporting student-athlete wellbeing and experience.  Their remarkable legacy of support made Mr. Barker the obvious choice for the 2024 Orange Tie Award."

Guests, which grew to nearly a 150 total at the second annual event, heard from Director of Athletics Hannah Bazemore and President J. Bradley Creed, as well as other Campbell administrators and alumni, enjoying dinner along with live and silent auctions throughout the night.

"I would like to thank everyone who donated and participated in this year's Orange Tie Gala," added Bazemore. "Your contributions truly make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes, opening doors and creating opportunities. Thank you for your support and belief in Campbell Athletics. We look forward to the Orange Tie Gala growing more and more each year."

Bob Barker grew up in Cherryville, N.C., graduating with a BS in History from Campbell in 1965. While he was developing his entrepreneurial interests, Barker held public offices as Mayor of Apex, N.C. (1967-69); Executive Director of the Wake County - North Carolina Committee on Law and Justice (1970-71); and North Carolina State Senator (1973-74). He later served as Mayor of Fuquay-Varina, N.C. (1995-99) and Fuquay-Varina Town Commissioner (2000-04).

Barker held several different jobs as a young man but found success in entrepreneurship when he found his passion. That was when he connected through a close friend with the opportunity to serve jails. In 1972, he founded Bob Barker Equipment Company to provide products to detention facilities. Under Barker's leadership, the business was incorporated in 1987 as Bob Barker Company and expanded nationwide, manufacturing and distributing a wide array of institutional and detention products from its manufacturing and distribution centers in Fuquay-Varina and Ogden, Utah.

With a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of people and working for the greater good, Barker infused that sentiment into the fabric of the company he founded, starting with how Team Members are appreciated and extending to families, communities, vendors, customers and ultimately the population of detention and corrections residents served. The products supplied by the company help make life better for residents while they are incarcerated. Inspired to do more, he founded the Bob Barker Foundation in 2009 to confront the problem of recidivism and help provide solutions through therapeutic interventions that help individuals reenter society, stay out of prison for life, and become positive contributors to their families and the communities in which they live.

Barker's desire to give to others for the greater good of the community drives him to invest in his church, his alma mater, his community as a public servant, and to the world as a business owner. In recognition of his generosity, Barker has also received an honorary doctorate from Campbell University (2012) and The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by the State of North Carolina (2018), which is the highest honor for significant contributions to the state and community through exemplary service. He has also been honored with citizenship awards from Campbell University and the towns of his birth and residency.

Barker resides in Fuquay-Varina with his wife, Pat. His two children, Robert and Nancy, run the daily operations of Bob Barker Company. Bob and Pat are active in Woodhaven Baptist Church where they serve as founding members.

For more information on the Fighting Camel Club, visit GoCamels.com.