By: April Burnett, Online Editor
Party on the Plaza, Newman’s biggest annual fundraiser, is coming back and will happen on Sept. 30 with a Raging ’20s theme.
And although tickets cost $120 apiece, cash-strapped students can still attend the event if they volunteer to help out. At the moment, said Events Coordinator Abbi Timmermeyer, organizers have the greatest need for students who can help Great Western Dining serve food to the attendees. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on Founders Plaza.
Party on the Plaza raises money that goes mostly toward scholarships for students. Timmermeyer said that the event always includes a dinner, but the events before and after the dinner have varied throughout the years. This year, it will open with a silent auction of around 45 items, which will be available to be bid on in person or online throughout the evening.
The event also will include games like Spin the Wine Bottle and croquet, and attendees will have a chance to win prizes. There will also be an “old-timey photo booth” and two caricature artists.
During the dinner, there will be live performances from the Newman dance team and the Troubadours. After, there will be a live auction where attendees can bid on donated items like out-of-state trips. The evening will end with fireworks.
Party on the Plaza usually raises at least $130,000, Timmermeyer said. However, last year, it raised $167,000. This year, the hope is that the event raises at least $150,000, she said.
Students also can get involved by volunteering to help set up and clean up the event.
Eliana Gaytan, a student who volunteered by serving food last year, said it was fun and that it was interesting to speak to people who donated to the school. She said it was “the major event where supporters of the school and students are able to meet face to face and interact with each other.” To volunteer or ask questions about Party on the Plaza, message Timmermeyer at TimmermeyerA@newmanu.edu.
PHOTO: Courtesy photo, University Relations
