Wednesday, December 1, 2010
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(November 30, 2010)”Hollywood on the Shore,” the theme for the 2011 Gala at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, promises to provide another star-studded soiree to be remembered.
The event, dubbed as one of the “Best Parties on the Shore” by UMES President Thelma B. Thompson, takes place Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 6 p.m. in the university’s Student Services Center. Tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 6, with two purchasing options-an Oscar ticket for $150 and a VIP ticket for $500.
“The response was phenomenal last year,” said Dr. Veronique Diriker, director of development at UMES and event coordinator. “Tickets sold out within a couple of weeks. We expect a similar reaction this year. My advice to people interested in joining the party is not to delay in purchasing a ticket.”
Diriker expects a list of celebrity guests to be announced at the beginning of the New Year. The 2010 celebrity guest list included Patty Duke, Lou Gosset Jr., B.B. King,, Dionne Warwick and Herschel Walker.
“We have our ‘Hollywood connection’ working diligently to bring to the Eastern Shore a slate of celebrities to please our guests,” Diriker said.
The Gala is the university’s signature fundraising event. It is in its 12th year and getting better all the time. Some 450 guests and 175 community, university and student volunteers made the 2010 event an unprecedented success.
“Last year, thanks to the support of our sponsors and guests, the Gala raised about $280,000 toward the university’s Campaign for Academic Excellence,” said Diriker. “The funds benefit need and merit-based student scholarships.”
The Oscar ticket includes gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a four-course dinner in the midst of celebrity guests, dancing to live music, souvenir photos and live and silent auctions. The VIP ticket adds a reception with celebrities at the Courtyard Marriott in Ocean City the night before the Gala and a special reception with celebrities one hour prior to the Gala.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Diriker at 410-651-8142 or by emailing vdiriker@umes.edu.
###
Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, wrobinson3@umes.edu.x
