Fire & Ice gala raises funds for needs-based scholarships
Fire & Ice gala raises funds for needs-based scholarships
By The Dixie Foundation
The Dixie Foundation’s 14th annual Fire & Ice gala garnered record-breaking support for needs-based scholarships, raising funds for Dixie State University students who may not be able to pursue a college education without financial assistance.
The annual black-tie optional gala raised more money than any other gala in the event’s history. Put on by the all-volunteer foundation, all proceeds directly benefit Dixie State student scholarships. Over the past 14 years, Fire & Ice has provided scholarships to thousands of students.
“Earning an education is truly life changing for these scholarship recipients and opens the door to remarkable opportunities,” Ronda Neilson, Fire & Ice chairwoman for The Dixie Foundation, said. “It’s great to be a part of this community and foundation that gives back.”
Singer, actor and YouTube sensation Alex Boyé hosted the gala, which included a silent auction, live auction, dinner and entertainment by Boyé himself. Boyé, who was named Hard Rock’s 2017 Rising Artist of the Year and is “Africanizing” the pop landscape by infusing it with the explosive rhythms and languages of his ancestral continent, even offered a private concert as live auction item. Other notable auction items included original paintings, getaways and a bison to be customized and included in the Trailblazers Art in the City project.
To accommodate an increase in the number of guests from past years, the event was hosted in Dixie State’s Burns arena. Matching the event’s “There’s No Place Like Home” theme, the arena was decorated with black, green and gold to bring the feeling of the Emerald City and Oz to the more than 430 guests.
The nonprofit Dixie Foundation, which is driven by the opportunity to change lives through scholarships, supports DSU and education in general and hosts fundraising opportunities to support the needs of the university. In addition to hosting the annual Fire & Ice gala, the foundation funding for these scholarships comes through partnering with Dixie Scholarship Associates, Dixie State University Student Alumni Association and Dixie State University to host the entertaining and highly competitive Dixie’s Got Talent every year.
To volunteer with the Dixie Foundation, or for more information about Fire & Ice, visit dixiefoundation.org or contact Ronda Neilson at ronda@dixiefondation.org.