Fire & Ice Gala to raise support for Dixie State student scholarships

In an effort to help hundreds of students, the Dixie State University Foundation will host the 16th annual Fire & Ice Gala on April 17 to raise support for need-based scholarships.

The black tie optional evening, which is exclusively presented by Cache Valley Bank, will consist of dinner, a live auction, a silent auction and an intimate performance by Jon Schmidt from The Piano Guys. Schmidt also will serve as the event’s master of ceremonies.

“I am inspired by the generosity of our community as they donate, plan and attend this incredible event,” Kristin Williams, Fire & Ice Gala co-chair, said. “I am passionate about education being available to everyone, so I love that money is being raised for DSU student scholarships.” 

As Dixie State’s student body continues to rise, the need for scholarships to support current and future Trailblazers increases as well. This past fall, 11,193 students attended Dixie State, representing a 12.5 percent increase over the previous year and nearly 23 percent increase over six years. DSU’s numbers represented the largest percentage growth of all Utah’s public colleges and universities.

“Statistics show that financial obstacles are the leading deterrent of students obtaining higher education,” Ronda Neilson, Fire & Ice Gala chair, said. “With the many volunteers, generous sponsors, and numerous donations that help produce the Fire & Ice Gala, the Dixie State University Foundation can empower hundreds of need-based students who are seeking higher education.”

In fact, members of the Fire & Ice committee volunteer their time completely so that more money raised at the event can go toward scholarships, not overhead costs.

“I feel honored to work with so many incredible service-oriented people from our community on our all-volunteer committee and the professionals at Dixie State University,” Neilson said. 

A highlight of the event will be an opportunity for attendees to get to know some of the Dixie State students who, without scholarships, would be unable to pursue a college education due to financial constraints.

“I always enjoy hearing the stories of the students who are helped with the Fire & Ice scholarships,” Williams said. “Education changes generations, and the money raised through Fire & Ice is life changing.”

The Fire & Ice Gala will begin at 5:30 p.m. on April 17 on the rooftop of the Human Performance Center, which opened on the Dixie State campus in November. For more information about the Dixie State University Foundation or to purchase tickets, donate or volunteer with the Fire & Ice Gala, visit dixiefoundation.org, call the foundation at 435-817-9847 or email info@dixiefoundation.org.