Dress to impress at TRU’s first black-tie Winter’s Ball on Nov. 16, being held to raise funds for TRU student scholarships and bursaries.
Last year, the gala successfully raised over $250,000, all made possible by the generosity of supporters dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities.
Katrina Harding, advancement officer for annual giving at TRU, has continued her work in providing students support through fundraising events.
“We help to enhance the learning experience,” Harding said. “With the Gala, we generate awareness and money for scholarships, bursaries, equipment and space upgrades at the university.”
With a rich history spanning over 30 years, the signature fundraising event has generated more than $1 million for essential student scholarships, bursaries and specialized equipment.
This year marks the inaugural Winter’s Ball, promising an enchanting evening filled with exquisite cuisine, lively dancing and captivating entertainment.
“We found that its really important that we host the event during a time when there are students on campus,” Harding said. “We like to give students that practical experience of being part of an event like this.”
A Vancouver band will provide music throughout the night and there will be a silent auction with over 30 items, along with a “fund in need” — a reverse silent auction that will give guests an opportunity to make donations.
The reverse silent auction will be focused on the support of fire science research chair Jill Harvey and TRU’s new wildfire programs.
Three hundred guests have already saved their spots and the event has officially sold out.
But TRU Students, especially those in the Tourism department are encouraged to volunteer.
“We are aiming to raise the amount of money we reached last year,” Harding said. “We’re really happy that we are sold out, it’s nice that our reputation precedes us on that.”
In order to maintain their efforts with sustainability the Gala will continue with the theme of Winter Ball for the next three years.
The TRU Foundation Gala is currently open to volunteers for event set up and clean up. If you are interested in participating, please contact the advancement office to learn more at advancementevents@tru.ca.