For the second consecutive year, the RQ Foundation raised more than $60,000 to benefit sports officials at its “Supporting Sport’s Third Team” fundraiser, held Saturday, April 25, at Turntable in Indianapolis. The third annual fundraiser was attended by approximately 150 guests, who were treated to two thoughtful panel sessions featuring current and former leaders in collegiate athletics.

Indiana Pacers Associate Vice President of Communications Eddie White, who occupies several roles for both the Pacers and the Indiana Fever, brought a high-energy style as the event emcee that set the tone for the entire evening.

White presided over two panel sessions that included deep-dive discussions with five local icons in collegiate athletics.

The first panel, sponsored by the NCAA, featured legendary “Voice of the Hoosiers” Don Fischer and his experiences calling the past five decades of Indiana Football and Men’s Basketball on the radio, along with his impressions of head football coach Curt Cignetti and the team’s meteoric rise to becoming the 2026 College Football Playoff national champions.

Fischer was joined by NCAA Vice President of Basketball JoAn Scott, who shared details on her role as one of the architects of March Madness – including the inner workings of the 2021 NCAA Tournament that saw nearly every game played in Indianapolis – as well as her work with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and the rest of the 1992 Dream Team.

The spotlight then shifted to Butler University with the second panel, as a trio of Bulldog mainstays discussed their perspectives on the past, present and future of the athletics program.

Barry Collier, a former men’s basketball coach who also served as Vice President (VP) and Director of Athletics for nearly two decades, shared the stage with Grant Leiendecker, who succeeded Collier as VP and Director of Athletics in May 2024, and was also a member of the 2010 and 2011 Bulldogs men’s basketball teams that went to back-to-back national championship games. The third member of the panel was former Butler head coach Todd Lickliter, who guided the Bulldogs to two Sweet Sixteen appearances during his six seasons.

Together, they recounted their unique experiences inside the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse, shared their thoughts and appreciation for the quality officiating they received over their respective careers, and provided insight on their roles in curating Butler’s rich men’s basketball tradition.

The funds raised will directly support the RQ Foundation's ongoing efforts to assist officials, officiating organizations and other entities that contribute to the growth and success of sports officiating.