WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 11, 2015 — WesBanco is the new title sponsor for West Liberty University’s annual Great Gala, which takes on a Hollywood theme this year. The evening of dining, dancing and supporting higher education will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Glessner Auditorium, Oglebay Resort.
“We are grateful to WesBanco for the sponsorship of our biggest fundraising event and look forward to another successful evening supporting higher education and our students,” said WLU President Robin C. Capehart.
Over the past five years, the Great Gala has raised significant funds for West Liberty University students and this year, the proceeds will support the David T. Javersak College of Liberal Arts Scholarship.
Well-known throughout the region as an active historian and author, Dr. Javersak joined the faculty in 1969 and served as the Dean of the School of Liberal Arts from 1986 – 2007. He is now Dean Emeritus of the School of Liberal Arts.
“This scholarship fund is a perfect example of the importance of the Great Gala. Students need scholarship money more than ever,” said Executive Director of Development Angela Zambito Hill.
The evening gets started at 6:30 p.m, April 25 with a red carpet arrival of guests, complete with Academy Award commentators, who will describe the fashions. After a cocktail hour, dinner will be served.
“Everything is being planned around an Academy Award theme. Hollywood glamour, movie stars and movie theme music will add to the festive evening of fun,” Hill said. “It’s a black tie affair and we encourage guests to dress like movie stars.”
Music will be provided by Wheeling’s own Top 40 Variety cover band, Hit Play. Additional entertainment and surprises are planned.
Donors are invited to support the Great Gala by purchasing a sponsorship package soon. Levels of giving include:
- $10,000 The Academy, 16 guests
- $7,500 Best Picture Nominees, 12 guests
- $5,000 The Producers, eight guests
- $2,500 The Directors, six guests
- $1,000 Hollywood “A” List, four guests
- $500 Red Carpet Oscar Stars, two guests
Sponsorship packages also provide promotional and recognition opportunities for donors. Individual tickets are available also and priced at $150 individual or $275 per couple.
“It will be a wonderful evening and we look forward to the community’s attendance at Great Gala 2015 as we celebrate the Oscars! We thank WesBanco for their leadership and support in this effort to raise scholarship money and fulfill our mission of providing a quality college education to our students,” Hill added.
Please call 304-336-8888 or email azambito@westliberty.edu for details.