Proceeds support student scholarships
KINGSTON, R.I. — December 1, 2004 — The University of Rhode Island Alumni Association is going online this year to kick start its silent auction as part of its 14th Winter Gala, set for Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency in Newport. A pre-gala reception will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by dinner, a silent auction and dancing from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
From late December through mid-January, alumni and friends of the University will be able to bid on several items online. “It’s a way for us to generate more interest in the silent auction and the Gala in general,” said Jessie Kenyon, an assistant director of Alumni Relations.
Those who purchase tickets will enjoy an elegant evening of dining, dancing to the music of Nancy Paolino and Black Tie, and a great program of silent and live auctions. Tickets start at $100 each ($95 for dues paying members of the Alumni Association). Attend the Pre-Gala for an additional $75 per person. Space is limited.
The Hyatt Regency is offering a special $96 rate per room per night for Winter Gala guests who want to extend the festivities by spending the weekend in Newport. People interested in doing so, should contact the hotel, 401-851-1234, by Dec. 29.
The Winter Gala is normally a sold-out event. Alumni and friends of the University are advised to make their reservations early by calling Jessie Kenyon at 401-874-4853 or jkenyon@advance.uri.edu or by registering on-line
About the Event Chairs
Dick and Ann Beaupre of Cumberland are the honorary chairs of the gala.
Beaupre is well known to the URI community. Early this year, he pledged $1 million to the College of Arts and Sciences’ Hope and Heritage Fund, which pays for travel and lodging expenses for students attending conferences, presenting papers, perform in concerts or exhibit art. The fund now bear’s Beaupre’s name.
After graduating from URI in 1962, Dick Beaupre worked for four different companies before founding ChemArt in 1976. The start-up company was housed in a former ice cream factory in East Providence and had just four employees. Today ChemArt, now located in Lincoln, employs nearly 100 people and is a leader in the design and manufacture of metal ornaments and collectibles. ChemArt’s product line includes ornaments and memorabilia, bookmarks, page clips, and lapel pins, which are used by customers to raise funds, promote events, recognize donors and volunteers, and to commemorate a special event. His company has designed and manufactured many ornaments based on important figures and periods in American history.
Beaupre has been generous to the University with his talent, treasure, and time. He established an endowed scholarship fund for married students with children to help them pay their tuition, sponsors a variety of arts events, and is currently supporting URI’s Humanities Campaign with a named fellowship for faculty and student humanities research. He is also a supporter of URI’s Ryan Center.
In addition, he is a founding and active member of the External Advisory Council for the College of Arts and Sciences. He also serves as a trustee of the URI Foundation.
The Beaupres are chairs of the Alumni Association’s largest fund-raising activity, which generally attracts more than 500 alumni and friends of URI and raises about $100,000 for student scholarships.