KINGSTON, R.I. – February 29, 2016 –The University of Rhode Island’s Big Chill Weekend is all about friends, family, food and fun, but most importantly it’s about helping students. The URI Alumni Association’s premier event has successfully raised more than $1.6 million for student scholarships since it started.
This year’s annual Big Chill event runs from Thursday, March 3 through Saturday, March 5, and is the University’s top fundraiser for student scholarships. Robert Vincent, a 1975 URI graduate and senior vice president of IGT, and his wife Grace, are the honorary chairs of the event.
“As in past years, we have put together a program with a variety of events that will appeal to alumni from any class year,” URI Alumni Relations Assistant Director Karen Sechio said. “We can’t wait to see everyone as we celebrate Rhody Pride and our commitment to help students achieve their goals at the University.”
For ticket prices and the full schedule information visit Big Chill Weekend.
The fun begins on Thursday, March 3 with a URI men’s basketball game at the Ryan Center at 6 p.m. At the same time, there is a networking event at GPub in Providence and a dining event at the Eleven Forty Nine Restaurant in East Greenwich.
On Friday, March 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., alumni can enjoy a wine tasting at Russell Morin’s ‘Vue in Newport, Rhody Tapas Tasting at the Bridge Restaurant in Westerly or a Craft Beer Tasting at the Mews Tavern.
The Big Chill Weekend continues Saturday, March 5 with a winter hike at the W. Alton Jones Campus and Master Gardener Symposium on the Kingston Campus.
Saturday’ evening’s Blue Tie Wine Pairing Dinner at the Rosecliff Mansion in Newport and annual “Bid for a Cause” is sold out. Last year’s weekend, generated about $120,000 to support scholarships. “We hope to exceed those numbers this year,” said Sechio.