"A Sparkling Affair," an event to benefit a hospitality project for Mayville State University's Edson & Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center, will be held Thurs., Feb. 28, 2013, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room. The event will feature fabulous jewelry prizes, bid or buy silent auction, live entertainment, games, and refreshments.

Historic Northwest Hall, located on the campus of Mayville State University, is being renovated for use as an alumni and leadership center. In October, the Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation announced their gift of $340,000 to finish the renovation project and name the building. Through the hospitality project, items needed for hosting gatherings will be supplied. These items include a stove, refrigerator, serving needs, and more.

"The Edson & Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center will be a place where Mayville State alumni and friends can gather and feel at 'home,'" said hospitality project organizer Debbie Hagen, wife of MSU President Gary Hagen. "Having the equipment and tools needed to accommodate that function will be an important piece of the project."

Tickets for the "A Sparkling Affair" event sell for $25.00 each, and are available by calling the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4687 or by purchasing online. Ticket holders who attend the gala will have the opportunity to participate in a spectacular treasure hunt featuring prizes from Riddle's Jewelry. First prize is a ¾ carat diamond pendant ($2,000 retail value). Second prize is a Comet blue diamond ring ($1,070 retail value), and third prize is a pair of diamond solitaire earrings ($500 retail value).

"A Sparkling Affair" creators and organizers Jennifer Kohls and Debbie Hagen of Mayville have handcrafted many unique and beautiful jewelry items that will be among the prizes given away throughout the evening. A minimum of 20 jewelry items (valued at $40-$120 each) will be given away as door prizes. Additionally, a number of Kohls' and Hagen's creations will be included in a bid or buy silent auction.

The "Puttin' on the Ritz" game will provide the chance to win a $500 shopping spree at Riddle's for those who play. Two shopping sprees will be available. In addition, Riddle's will be on hand with their jewelry cleaning services for all who attend.

"'A Sparkling Affair' will be spectacular," said Jennifer Kohls. "We encourage women and men alike to come out and enjoy a fun-filled sparkling event. You'll not only have the opportunity to win prizes, but John Klocke's 'Great Love Songs' performance is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In addition, delicious hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available."

"We are delighted with the plans for the February 28 event," said MSU Director of Development John Klocke. "This fundraiser will support an important need for our future alumni and leadership center, and it's providing an evening of great fun and excitement for all. We are grateful to event organizers Jennifer Kohls, Debbie Hagen, and Loree Stenehjem for their foresight and incredible energy, and to the many volunteers who are assisting them in various ways."

For more information or to purchase tickets for "A Sparkling Affair," contact the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4687, or purchase your ticket online