KINGSTON, R.I. -- December 20, 2001 -- Ever want to hang a personalized banner on the Big Blue Bug in Providence for a week? Or how about winning a trip to the Monday Night Football game of your choice? And who doesn’t want a walk-on role in a Cardi’s Furniture commercial? These are just some of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and prizes that will be up for grabs at the University of Rhode Island’s eleventh annual Winter Gala. A premiere University alumni fundraising event, the Gala features dining, dancing, and live and silent auction entertainment. Since the gala’s inception, more than $500,000 has been raised for URI alumni scholarship and grant programs.

The Winter Gala will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Hyatt Regency-Newport on Goat Island. The 2002 Honorary Chair is Eric D. Roiter ’70, the vice-president and general counsel of Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston.

A special VIP Pre-Gala reception will be held from 6 - 7:30 p.m. and features an open bar, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and an auction preview. The Gala will follow from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. with hors d’oeuvres, a sit-down dinner, dancing, silent auction, live auction, and more. Black tie is optional.

Tickets are $100 per person for the Gala and $175 per person for the VIP reception and gala. For graduates of 1991-2001, tickets are $75. Tables of 10 to both the pre-gala and gala are also available. The Hyatt Regency-Newport Hotel is offering a special URI Winter Gala room rate of $93 for those who want a getaway night. Reservations must be made by January 14 by calling 401-851-1234.

Make checks payable to URI Winter Gala, and mail to: Winter Gala, URI Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1579, Kingston, R.I. 02881. Credit card orders may be placed by phone at 401-874-2242.

CVS and Fidelity Investments are Gold Sponsors for the event. Other sponsors include: The Washington Trust Company, American Power Conversion, Edwards & Angell, Citizen's Bank, Coastway Credit Union, Hasbro, Hyatt Regency-Newport, Sovereign Bank, and other alumni and friends.

For Information: Jessie Kenyon, 401-874-4853, Jhodi Redlich, 401-874-2116, Jennifer Smith, 401-874-2116