College of Arts & Letters New Year’s Eve Gala gives Pocatello residents a night of elegance and allows students to shine while raising $48,000

This event is held every year to raise money for students in the visual and performing arts. Students provide the entertainment for the evening, and allow guests to experience a night of elegance that they wouldn’t experience anywhere else in the area. More than half of the funds raised go directly to students.

“We are very appreciative to all of the people who attended and donated to our New Year’s Eve Gala this year,” said College of Arts & Letters Dean Kandi Turley-Ames. “It is a testament to this community and their love for the arts that they come out every year and support our talented students.”

The night’s performances included a fashion show with costumes designed by ISU students, the ISU Jazz Band, an art gallery featuring student work, Stasia Acrobats and the Comedy Project. Fire dancers Lava Fire Flow greeted guests as they entered the Stephens Performing Arts Center and after they celebrated the New Year. Guests were able to mingle with students between performances and observe first hand how talented they truly are.

A custom necklace by ISU’s first lady, Laura Vailas, and artwork by Department of Art chair, Jeffrey Adams, were given away to two lucky attendees during the annual drawing.  

The night would not have been possible without the support of sponsors and partners who donated their time and services. The event’s sponsors are Bank of Idaho, Portneuf Medical Center, Farm Bureau Insurance, Idaho Central Credit Union and Mountain View Hospital. Partners include KPVI, Costco, Idaho State Journal, Unforgettable Events, Flowers by LD and Premier Technology.

“We are honored by the support from our individual, corporate and foundation donors,” said Heidi Jarvis-Grimes, director of development of the College of Arts and Letters, and Strategic University Initiatives. “Due to their generosity we raised $48,000 to support our students. A special thanks to everyone for another successful scholarship gala.”

The College of Arts and Letters has begun planning the 2016 New Year’s Eve Gala with the theme “Moulin Rouge.”

For more information about the Gala, contact Heidi Jarvis-Grimes at jarvheid@isu.edu, or 282-5362.