The annual Party on the Plaza at Newman University will take place at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, on Founder’s Plaza.
The event is a fun time for donors to get together for a great evening, but it is also an important night for a group not in attendance — the students.
Party on the Plaza is one of the most important times for donors to give money that benefits student scholarships.
Senior Rachel Adducci said, “I receive an academic scholarship every year and it was the deciding factor for me to attend Newman, so I feel more comfortable knowing I don’t have to worry about finances as much and I can focus on earning my degree.”
Scholarship money makes a big difference in senior Jacob Hobbie’s life. He said, “Coming from a single parent home meant, we didn’t have much money. I learned during my senior year of high school that my mom got laid off. I knew without a big scholarship I wouldn’t be going to college. Thanks to the Cardinal Newman scholarship, I have learned, met people, and had wonderful experiences at Newman that I thought I may never have. I hope someday I can repay this kindness and make attending college easier for kids who grew up in a single parent home.”
Vice President for University Advancement J.V. Johnston explained, “The financial needs of our students has never been greater. Now it is our turn to step up and give an opportunity to students by supporting scholarships.”
All tables are sold out, but there are a very limited number of individual tickets available.
Support for the annual event has grown substantially. This year, a record number of tables have been sold for Party on the Plaza — about a dozen more than years past. Last year, $140,000 was raised for student scholarships. This year, the fundraising goal is $200,000.
Another way for supporters to help raise money during the event is by purchasing a Golden Ticket. These tickets can be purchased with a $100 donation, and one winner will be announced before the live auction. The winner will receive a live auction item of their choice before the auction begins. There are only 100 tickets available, but there are some still available for purchase.
Party on the Plaza tickets can be purchased in three ways: Visit the event’s official website to purchase online, call Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Coordinator Brielle Dunham at 316-942-4291 ext. 2445, or send in a check with the RSVP card received in the mail.
Without donations from Party on the Plaza, many students would have to take out larger student loans. Thankfully, donors make it possible for more students to receive a quality education without the added stress of figuring out how to cover the entire bill.
