The TRU Foundation Gala is taking on a new format for the first time in its history. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has partnered with six local eateries to deliver an at-home gala and virtual evening of food, entertainment and camaraderie on Saturday, Feb. 6, appropriately themed “A Community Affair.”

The annual TRU Foundation Gala raises funds for student scholarships, bursaries and awards, with the added bonus of showing support for local businesses this year. In the spirit of hope and coming together, the altered event structure enables more people than ever before to attend or participate in the online silent auction in support of education for all.

TRU Foundation Gala: A Community Affair
Virtual | Feb. 6, 2021 | Cocktails 5:30 p.m. | Dinner 6 p.m.
Tickets starting at $65
Event registration: tru.ca/gala
Online silent auction: auction.trufoundation.ca

Locally-based Mitchie’s Delivery is providing touchless delivery so gala attendees can enjoy the dinner of their choice from home while tuning in to watch entertainment hosted online with emcee Rich Woods of B100 and 98.3 CIFM.

Partner restaurants include Earls Kitchen and Bar, The Noble Pig,  Bright Eye Brewing, TRU Culinary Arts, Romeo’s Kitchen and Spirits, and the TRU Conference Centre. GK Sound is once again lending technical support, KPMG is sponsoring food delivery, Hub International and Stantec Architecture are sponsoring entertainment, and the TRU WolfPack cheerleaders are supporting Mitchie’s on the night of the event.

The online silent auction is also new this year, giving people the opportunity to bid anytime until Feb. 6 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are not required to participate in the online auction. 

“We’re immensely grateful for all the community partners that are making the TRU Foundation Gala possible this year,” said Vice-President University Relations Brian Daly. “It was important to us to find a way to deliver A Community Affair and adapt however necessary. This has been a flagship event for more than 25 years and the university’s largest yearly fundraiser for student support. In the true spirit of community, this year’s Gala is the result of work by many. The innovative approach will make for an event to remember.”  

Last year, the TRU Foundation Gala raised $130,000 through its fund-a-need reverse auction in support of equipment needs, enabling the purchase a lifelike infant mannequin for the School of Nursing that helps students gain specialized skills for infant patient care.

To view dinner options and purchase tickets for the TRU Foundation Gala: A Community Affair, visit tru.ca/gala. Registration closes Monday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.