It looks very like the Thompson Rivers University’s first ever gala to raise funds for students at the Williams Lake campus is going to be a major success.
As of Friday there were only 12 tickets remaining for the $80-a-plate gala coming up this Saturday night, says Betty Turatus TRU’s community co-ordinator.
“The theme for the gala is Magic,” Turatus says. “The decoration crew has been planning and working like mad and will transform the gym and student street so that you won’t recognize either. It will be a magical night of entertainment, good food, making new friends or reacquainting with past friends.”
A silent auction will be held throughout the night and some items will be sold by live auction. Some of the big and small items donated for the cause include a weekend stay at a condo at Sun Peaks, a train set, a Liz Twan photograph, a handmade quilt, an iPad, jackets, hats, purses, lumber, and other trips.
“The list is plentiful,” Turatus says. “It is really exciting.
“We are hoping to raise $30,000 towards bursaries and scholarships for students to attend university here at home.”
Being able to attend university at home is important for both the student and the community, Turatus says. “Students who stay in their hometown for their post secondary education statistically are more successful than when they go somewhere else.”
The event organizing committee maintains that students who attend university in their hometowns can save approximately $8,000 a year in living costs. TRU also has the no-cancellation policy on the classes it offers.
TRU north is working to increase enrolment of high school students from our area, destination students including international students, and adult or mature learners.
People who would like to pick up one of the gala seats that may be remaining can call Turatus at 250-392-8000 or reserve on line at www.tru.ca/williamslake/gala.
The gala is Saturday, March 31 in the TRU gymnasium. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. Dinner is at 7 p.m. with dancing to follow at 9 p.m. to the band March Hare.
She says the community has been very generous in sponsoring this event, Turatus says.
TD Bank Group has come on board as the presenting sponsor. PMT Chartered Accountants is sponsoring the entertainment, M&M Meats is sponsoring the desserts, RE/MAX Realty is sponsoring the appetizers and Always Travel is sponsoring the center pieces.
Along with the above sponsors many silent and live auction items have been generously donated.