KINGSTON, R.I. – January 22, 2007 – The University of Rhode Island Alumni Association invites you to chill out with Rhody football great Tom Ehrhardt and his wife Diane at the 16th annual Winter Gala Saturday, Jan. 27.
The Ehrhardts are this year’s honorary chairs for the festivities that begin at 6 with a VIP reception and continue with the gala from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Newport.
The Ehrhardts, who were major supporters of the successful $530,000 private fund-raising campaign for the new football stands at Meade Stadium, extend a warm invitation to those who bleed Keaney Blue. It will be a great chance for former football players and fans to share stories from two of the greatest seasons in all of New England.
Before his graduation in 1986, Ehrhardt led the 1984 and 1985 editions of the football team to two of the greatest campaigns in Rhode Island grid history. They won consecutive Yankee Conference titles and two NCAA, Division 1-AA playoff games.
More than the long list of passing records set by Ehrhardt and his teammates, fans remember the excitement of the “Ehr” force, a group of players that could electrify the crowd with big pass plays and stirring comebacks. They will also remember Sports Illustrated mentioning him as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Both teams were inducted into the URI Athletic Hall of Fame.
To enjoy great memories as well as a sumptuous dinner and dessert, a great auction and dancing to the sounds of Nancy Paolino and the Black tie Band, register online. Call Kristal Cardone at 401-874-4536 or email her at kristal@uri.edu for further information.
Tickets are $200 per person for the gala and pre-gala reception and $125 per person for the gala alone.
The Winter Gala benefits URI student scholarship and grant programs. The 2006 gala welcomed more than 430 alumni and friends and raised more than $90,000 for student scholarships.