KINGSTON, R.I. – January 16, 2008 – Celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year at the University of Rhode Island’s 17 Annual Winter Gala, Feb. 9 at the Hyatt Regency Newport.
Sponsored by the Alumni Association, the gala is an elegant, festive evening of dining, dancing and auction fun held each year to raise money for student scholarships and faculty support. About 450 attended the 2007 gala, which raised about $90,000.
The 2008 event begins with the VIP pre-gala reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The gala begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for the gala and VIP reception are $200 per person and for the gala alone, $125 per person.
The honorary chairs for the 2008 Winter Gala, Thomas Silvia ’83 and Shannon Chandley ’83 of Amherst, N.H., are intimately involved with URI and are generous supporters of the $100 million” Making a Difference” capital campaign.
“Tom and I are looking forward to hosting this year’s Winter Gala,” Chandley said. “As long time attendees, we can attest that it is an evening of good food, good music and dancing, and the terrific company of fellow alumni and friends of the University of Rhode Island. The Gala is a fun way to support the University, its faculty and students.”
Chandley said the event is a wonderful opportunity to call attention to the University of Rhode Island’s “Making A Difference” campaign. “URI has, indeed, made a difference in our lives. We are happy for the chance to give back, to help today’s students access a top-notch education and to assist faculty in providing that education. We hope that others will recognize the benefits URI has given them and be motivated to donate–to give back to the University with their time, their dollar and their vote.”
The couple recently pledged $500,000 to the campaign, with $300,000 earmarked for the Silvia/Chandley Professorship in Peace Studies. Their gift also supports the URI hockey club, the Honors Colloquium and an opera workshop.
Individuals, companies or organizations wishing to attend or to donate an auction item should call 401-874-2242 or email jkenyon@advance.uri.edu.