a_sparkling_affair_jewelry-web.jpg“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. 20, 2014 in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room. People may begin gathering outside the Luckasen Room at 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. The event will feature fabulous jewelry prizes, silent auction, live entertainment, games, and refreshments.  

This is the second year for the “A Sparkling Affair” event. Through last year’s event, more than $10,000 was raised to assist the hospitality project at the Larson Center. The purpose of the hospitality project is to purchase items needed for hosting gatherings at the facility. Historic Northwest Hall, located on the campus of Mayville State University, has been renovated for use as an alumni and leadership center. The official grand opening of the center will be held in conjunction with Mayville State University’s 125th anniversary Alumni Days celebration in June of 2014.

“We were thrilled with the response to ‘A Sparkling Affair’ in 2013, and we look forward to another spectacular event this year,” said hospitality project organizer, Debbie Hagen, wife of MSU President Gary Hagen. Jennifer Kohls and Loree Stenehjem of Mayville are also members of the hospitality project committee and organizers of the “A Sparkling Affair.” “We very excited about having the Edson & Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center available on campus. It is a place whereMayville Statealumni and friends will gather and feel at ‘home.’”

Tickets for the “A Sparkling Affair” event sell for $25.00 each, and are available by calling the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4687. 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 one-carat diamond pendant ($7,000 retail value). Second prize is a Comet blue diamond ring ($1,100 retail value), and third prize is a ladies watch ($400 retail value). The “Puttin’ on the Ritz” game will provide the chance to win one of two $500 shopping spree at Riddle’s for those who play. Riddle’s is sponsoring the event for the second year, and has increased their prize package from $4,570 in 2013 to $9,500 this year.

Jennifer Kohls and Debbie Hagen 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 silent auction 

“‘A Sparkling Affair’ will be a blast,” 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 live vocal 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 20 event,” said MSU Director of DevelopmentJohn 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 Debbie Hagen, Jennifer Kohls, 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 go to www.mayvillestate.edu/sparklingaffair.

Caption for above photo:

Pictured above is one of the many lovely jewelry pieces handcrafted by Jennifer Kohls and Debbie Hagen that will be given away as door prizes or sold in silent auction activities at “A Sparkling Affair.” The event will be held to benefit the Edson & Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center hospitality project at Mayville State University. Riddle’s Jewelry has donated three jewelry pieces, a necklace, ring, and ladies watch (total retail value of $8,500), that will be the grand prizes at the February 20 event.