Community sponsors make ISU College of Arts and Letters New Year’s Eve Gala possible

POCATELLO – Every winter guests fill the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center for Idaho State University’s College of Arts and Letters New Year’s Eve Gala. The event raises money for students in the visual and performing arts.

Students showcase their talents throughout the evening as the night’s entertainment. More than $78,000 has been raised, and more than 40 students have received scholarships during the first two years. The event would not be possible if it weren’t for sponsors in the community who want to see students succeed.

“The Gala is such a well done, beautiful event,” said Laura Smith, public relations manager at Idaho Central Credit Union. “It is neat to see students perform and interact with the community while listening to music and ringing in the new year.”

Idaho Central Credit Union is the one of the event’s biggest sponsors and has been a sponsor since the Gala’s first year. Mountain View Hospital, Farm Bureau Insurance, Bank of Idaho and Portneuf Medical Center join ICCU as the night’s biggest sponsors.

“We really believe in supporting the college,” Smith said. “It is a good opportunity for us to give to the university for a great event and cause.”

Other sponsors for the event include Hayden Beverage Company, KPVI News 6, Premier Technology Inc. and Pocatello Eye Care.

“Our New Year’s Eve Gala would not be possible if it weren’t for the generous sponsors who continue to give and believe in this event,” said Heidi Jarvis-Grimes, director of development, College of Arts and Letters, and strategic university initiatives. “The support of these sponsors can make a big difference in a student’s life, and were lucky to see that happen every year at the Gala.”

The Gala is held on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. in the SPAC. Tickets are $125 each and can be purchased at isu.edu/cal or by calling 282-3207. For more information about the Gala or how to be a sponsor, contact Jarvis-Grimes at 282-5362 or jarvheid@isu.edu.