Friday, January 15, 2010
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-Phenomenal response to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s announcement of a star-studded, annual gala resulted in an early sell-out of tickets. Some 450 fast-acting ticket holders will dine in the midst of Lou Gosset Jr., B.B. King, Dionne Warwick, Herschel Walker, Clarence Clemons, Patty Duke and Lee Elder on Saturday, March 6.
This year’s event “A Night of Stars,” featuring not one, but two separate events, promises to be one never seen before on the Eastern Shore.
In addition to the main event’s four-course Mardi Gras dinner prepared by the Hotel and Restaurant Management Students at UMES, live and silent auctions with items donated by the celebrities and area businesses, music by the Daryl Davis Band and the UMES Jazz Ensemble and dancing, this year’s event has some added pizzazz for schmoozing with the stars. Sponsors and VIP ticket holders will meet and greet the celebrities during a Friday pre-event reception in Ocean City and be admitted into Saturday’s Paparazzi Party prior to the start of the Gala.
“We are delighted with the response of the community and are blessed with the support of the celebrities,” said Dr. Veronique Diriker, director of development, UMES.
Tickets aren’t the only thing going fast. Area businesses have been quick to offer their sponsorship of the UMES Gala. To date, The Daily Times, WBOC TV-16, Clear Channel, Double R, American Airlines, Courtyard Marriott in Ocean City and Rus Design have offered in-kind contributions to assure the event’s success.
Although tickets are sold out, it’s not too late to be part of what President Thelma B. Thompson touts as “the Best Party on the Eastern Shore.” Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Proceeds benefit student scholarships. For more information, contact Diriker at 410-651-7773.
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
