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Step into a winter wonderland at URI's Winter GalaPicture a winter wonderland with a snow-covered park, street lights, an old-fashioned sleigh and a snowcapped forest of evergreen and broadleaf trees. Now imagine that you could enjoy dancing and dining in such a scene without experiencing the frost-bitten fingers and toes that come from being out in the cold. The dream will become reality on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Newport Doubletree Islander Hotel when the URI Alumni Association holds its Ninth Annual Winter Gala. Called the "Winter Wonderland Celebration" the gala features the interior creations of Richard Carbotti's Perfect Surroundings. Carbotti has planned a setting that will include ice sculptures and mannequins dressed in period costumes chatting at the edge of an icy pond. Carbotti created three events for Nancy Reagan, and the party for the 1996 Super Bowl in Phoenix. He planned the recent opening for the Providence Place Mall. Carbotti is also a partner in Themes Restaurant in Newport, which changes its decor every two months. "A lot of people like being in Newport because it is a getaway," said Jen Durand, assistant director of the Alumni Relations. "But when they walk into the Doubletree, they are really going to feel as though they've walked into a winter fantasyland." Proceeds from the event, which last year raised about $100,000, will benefit annual alumni scholarships and grants for deserving URI undergraduates. Sid Cohen '55, honorary chairman of the gala and president of MGM Domestic Television Distribution, said this is a festive way for alumni to reconnect with the University. "The gala provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate URI through scholarships supporting undergraduate students," said Cohen. A pre-gala reception sponsored by CVS/pharmacy and Textron will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, champagne and an auction preview. The gala will follow from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., and for the first time will feature a sit-down dinner, along with dancing to the sounds of Sure Thing and silent and live auctions. Black tie is optional. More than 100 items will be auctioned off, including trips and tickets to major athletic events. Corporate sponsors are welcomed, and items for the silent and live auctions are being accepted. Donations can include artwork, trips, and other unique opportunities. Tickets are $100 per person and $175 for the gala and reception. Groups can purchase a table for 10 at $1,000. Make checks payable to URI Winter Gala, and mail to: Winter Gala, URI Alumni Association, 12 Davis Hall, 10 Lippitt Road, Kingston, R.I. 02881-2011. Credit card orders may be placed by phone at 401-874-2242 or by fax at 401-874-5957. The Doubletree is also offering a special URI rate of $85 per room for those who want a getaway night. The Winter Gala committee is as follows: Sid Cohen '55, honorary chairperson; Lincoln D. Almond '85 and Lynn M. Almond '84, both chair; Kimberly Rose '78, chair; F. Steven DiMasi, chair; Angel Hilliard '79; Steve Leach '86; Steven DeLuca '84; and Sharon DeLuca '85; Chester W. Ham '62, master's '69; M.J. Miniati Krueger '83; Robert S. Messinger, Jr. '73; Martha Sheridan '83; Jill Trautman '88; David J. DeRouin '88; and Jayne M. DeRouin; Stephen D. Chmielewski '86; Mark Davis '83; Nancy A. Lundgren '54; Deborah O'Brien '85 '96; Bonnie Saccucci '81; Dennis N. DiSano, '70; Salvator J. Corio, '83; Michelle DiBiasio '00; Kathleen Duffy, '80; Daniel J. Pendergast, Jr. '59; Alan H. Wasserman '75; and Jennifer Durand '97, Alumni Association assistant director. By Dave Lavallee |
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