Wichita Party on the Plaza, Newman University’s biggest fundraiser of the year, is back for the final year of its Return to the Renaissance theme Saturday, Sept. 17.
“This event is all about students and raising money to help the students of today be the people that they want to be tomorrow, but we know that in order to get there, many of these students need our help,” said Laura Hartley, director of annual giving. “Coming to this event and spending money on an auction item or on the games is one fantastic way of helping.”
Fellowship on Founders Plaza
The event will kick off at 4:30 p.m. with an optional Mass in St. John’s Chapel. At 5:30 p.m., festivities begin at Founders Plaza with drinks, social time, games and a chance to peruse the silent auction items. This year features sabrage, a wine pull and a life-size catapult, courtesy of the Newman Investigative Summer STEM Program.
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and students will sell 100 Golden Tickets, which offer guests a chance to win a live auction item and only spend $100. Before the live auction, a golden ticket number will be drawn and the winner will get to pick from any of the live auction packages.
A live auction will be hosted by auctioneer Charlie Moon and Master of Ceremonies J.T. Klaus (alumnus of 1987). The evening will conclude with a fireworks show sponsored by Klaus Enterprises.
Reservations are required for Party on the Plaza: Return to the Renaissance, and the final day to reserve tickets is Friday, Sept. 16. Renaissance-style costumes are encouraged, but not required. Tickets may be purchased at wichitapop.com or by contacting Laura Hartley at 316-942-4291 ext. 2161.
Those unable to attend in person can still support the event by donating or bidding on silent auction items. Every dollar donated directly benefits student financial aid
Special thanks to Dale Withers and David (’01, ’11) and Glenna Borho for being this year’s VIP sponsors of Party on the Plaza. View the full list of presenting, event and community sponsors, as well as the schedule of events at wichitapop.com.
A sentimental history
Hartley said that the Return to the Renaissance theme was chosen as a way to pay homage to the Renaissance Faires that Newman used to hold — events that eventually became a fundraiser similar to Party on the Plaza.
“Those faires brought people from all over to our campus, and putting on the event was a true community endeavor with students, staff, faculty and alums all pitching in to make it a success,” she said. “We want Party on the Plaza to have that same feel, so it seems only appropriate to make that our theme.”
A lifelong impact
Dana Beitey, director of alumni relations, said she loves the general sense of joy from those who attend and the fact that everyone is there to help raise money for student scholarships.
“There are so many great causes out there, and this one is no exception,” she said. “Raising money for scholarships to provide help for the next generation of thinkers, shakers and doers, that’s what Party on the Plaza is all about. The money raised adds to the scholarship bucket in order to provide some much-needed financial relief to really deserving students.”
Reserve your tickets for 2022 Party on the Plaza
Join in the revelry this year by attending Party on the Plaza: Return to the Renaissance!
