Scene from the Gala of Fire and Ice 2022, St. George, Utah, March 25, 2022 | Photo by Utah Tech University, St. George News
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT – The Utah Tech University Foundation is impacting the lives of Utah Tech students by helping with the cost of education, school supplies and more. From great events to the Striving Students Fund, here’s how you can support their impressive efforts during Homecoming week and beyond.
Ronda Neilson, director of this 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit, said many community members may not be aware of the Utah Tech University Foundation and the difference it makes in the community’s education system by empowering college students. to succeed.
To support its mission, the foundation sponsors two major events each year: the Utah Tech Classic charity golf tournament and the Fire & Ice Gala. Additional fundraising events are organized throughout the year, and organizers rely on community and student volunteers to pull them together. Neilson said student volunteers have the opportunity to work with the nonprofit, giving them valuable service and business opportunities.
“These events are meaningful and raise community spirit and awareness,” she added. “A lot of times, people aren’t aware that students need our help and even $100 makes a big difference in a student’s life, even if it’s to help them buy books. Students are doing everything they can to achieve their education and if we as a community can help where we can, it will have a lifelong impact.”
The Utah Tech Classic charity golf tournament is now in its 33rd year and will take place November 3-5. Proceeds from the tournament benefit student-athletes by providing scholarships and aiding the school’s athletic department. Click here for more information on the event along with sponsorship opportunities.
In celebration of the Utah Tech Classic, Homecoming week and the renovated Greater Zion Stadium, the foundation will host a free carnival, concert and fireworks display for the entire community on Friday, Nov. 4, at North Encampment Mall. The carnival will include games, bounce houses, food, food trucks and prizes. Powered by Canyon Media, the free concert will feature the country music artist Jordan James. Live music will begin at 7:00 p.m., and the fireworks display will begin at 9:00 p.m. View carnival and concert information here.
“The event is 100% free,” Neilson said. “The golfers will have VIP seating, but it’s a community concert, so everyone is invited.”
Utah Tech and Greater Zion will also host the bar in the west stands of the newly renovated Greater Zion Stadium on Nov. 5 at 11:30 a.m. Attendees are welcome to tour the new facility as part of the event.
For 18 years, the Fire & Ice Gala has been held every spring, with this year’s gala featuring a concert by The Piano Guys. The event includes a silent and live auction, along with hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Each year, the gala features hundreds of items donated by the community for auction and hundreds of volunteers. Next year’s Fire & Ice Gala will be held on March 24, 2023.
“All net proceeds go directly to need-based students,” Neilson said. “The gala is always a spectacular and unique event that helps thousands of students who would otherwise not be able to get an education. They are deserving students but they struggle to continue due to various financial obstacles. The money raised by the Fire & Ice event has helped countless students over the years achieve their educational goals.”
What is now the Utah Tech University Foundation was established in 1971 as a community foundation. The main goal at the time was to support education and the local community college.
The foundation’s mission statement has remained the same since the beginning: “To develop an environment that promotes giving and seeks, receives, manages and distributes resources in an appropriate manner to support students, academic programs and public service for the Technical University of Utah.”
Although Utah Tech receives funding from the state of Utah, it depends on the generosity of donors to fund important educational priorities. Giving opportunities includes donating to specific academic programs, Hardship Student Fund, athletic programs, Atwood Innovation Plaza and insurance scholarships.
To get involved, including volunteer opportunities, email [email protected].
Struggling Student Funds are dedicated to helping Utah Tech students facing unforeseen life challenges. Students often experience housing loss, food insecurity and other unexpected hardships. To donate directly to students in need, Click here.
Written by JESSI BANG for St. George News.
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