CHAMPAIGN -- A fundraiser scheduled for this weekend will raise money for the Keegan Bannon Memorial Scholarship.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday at Jupiter's at the Crossing. The scholarship fund was established last spring and is administered through the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation. It is in memory of Keegan Bannon, who died suddenly during his senior year at Central High School.

Mr. Bannon was tied for No. 1 in his class, academically; he was a gifted musician, playing in the school's top band; and he qualified for the state tennis tournament his junior year.

The $2,000 scholarship goes to a graduating Central student who demonstrates those same qualities academic excellence along with participation in extracurricular activities such as music, drama, sports or student government. The money can be used for any college expenses.

A fundraiser last year raised a little more than $21,000.

"This year, I think we can do better," said Peter Bannon, Keegan Bannon's father. "We have some really neat auction items this year, some really unique items."

The silent auction items include: a week's stay in a cottage on Martha's Vineyard; a week's stay in a condominium in New Hampshire's White Mountains; up to $3,800 in countertops from Classic Granite; dinner with a group of Champaign firefighters; dinner with the Boat Drunks band; and a movie for 100 friends, including popcorn and soda, at the Virginia Theatre.

The doors open at 6 p.m. at Jupiter's at the Crossing. The Central High School and Edison Middle School jazz bands will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Boat Drunks, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will play from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Jupiter's at the Crossing is donating all the food and soft drinks. Food will include not only pizza but also pulled pork sandwiches and other items.

Because everything is donated, "every dime goes to CU Schools Foundation" for the scholarship fund, Bannon said.

He's encouraging young people to come to the event. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple, and that includes dinner and entertainment. For those under 21, tickets are $15 per person.

But, Bannon said, a donor has offered to pay for all those under 21 who come to the event with someone over 21 who is paying for an adult ticket.

Tickets are available at Jupiter's at the Crossing, Billy Barooz, Corson Music, Peter B's Automotive and the Central High School athletic office. You can also buy them at http://www.eiphc.com and at the door.

A committee of the CU Schools Foundation selects the recipient of the scholarship, whose name will be announced at Central's senior awards ceremony this spring.