Support a Trailblazer: Utah Tech Foundation hosts golf tournament, carnival and concert for Homecoming week

Scenes from the 2022 Fire & Ice Gala, St. George, Utah, March 25, 2022 | Photo courtesy of Utah Tech University, St. George News

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The Utah Tech University Foundation is impacting the lives of Utah Tech students by assisting with the cost of education, school supplies and more. From grand events to the Struggling Student Fund, here’s how you can support their trailblazing efforts during Homecoming week and beyond.

Scenes from the 2022 Fire & Ice Gala, St. George, Utah, March 25, 2022 | Photo courtesy of Utah Tech University, St. George News

Ronda Neilson, director of this 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, said many community members may not be aware of the Utah Tech University Foundation and the difference it makes in the community’s education system by empowering college students to succeed.

To support its mission, the foundation sponsors two major events each year: the Utah Tech Classic charity golf tournament and the Fire & Ice Gala. Additional fundraising events are staged throughout the year, and organizers rely on the community and student volunteers to bring them together. Neilson said student volunteers get the opportunity to work with the nonprofit, giving them valuable service and business opportunities. 

“These events are meaningful and enhance community spirit and awareness,” she added. “Many times, people are unaware that students need our help and even $100 makes a huge difference in a student’s life, even if that’s to help them buy books. Students are doing everything they can to achieve their education, and if we as a community can help where we can, an everlasting impact is made.”

The Utah Tech Classic charity golf tournament is now in its 33rd year and will take place Nov. 3-5. Proceeds from the tournament benefit student-athletes by offering scholarships and assisting the school’s athletic department. Click here for more information on the event along with sponsorship opportunities.

In celebration of the Utah Tech Classic, Homecoming week and the renovated Greater Zion Stadium, the foundation will put on a free carnival, concert and fireworks show for the entire community on Friday, Nov. 4, at the North Encampment Mall. The carnival will include games, bounce houses, treats, food trucks and prizes. Powered by Canyon Media, the free concert will feature country music artist Jordan James. Live music will begin at 7 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. See the carnival and concert information here.

Scenes from the 2021 Dixie Classic, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Utah Tech University, St. George News

“The event is 100% free,” Neilson said. “The golfers will get VIP seating, but it’s a community concert, so everyone is invited.”

Utah Tech and Greater Zion will also be cutting the ribbon on the newly renovated Greater Zion Stadium West Grandstands on Nov. 5 at 11:30 a.m. Attendees are welcome to tour the new facility as part of the event.

For 18 years, the Fire & Ice Gala has been held each spring, with this year’s gala featuring a concert by The Piano Guys. The event includes both a silent and live auction along with hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Each year, the gala features hundreds of donated items from the community for the auction and with hundreds of volunteers. Next year’s Fire & Ice Gala will take place on March 24, 2023.

“All the net proceeds go directly to need-based students,” Neilson said. “The gala is always a spectacular and unique event helping thousands of students that otherwise would not be able to achieve an education. They’re deserving students, but they struggle to continue because of various financial setbacks.  The money raised from the Fire & Ice event has helped countless students over the years achieve educational goals.”

What is now the Utah Tech University Foundation was established in 1971 as a community foundation. The primary goal at that time was to support education and the local community college.

The foundation’s mission statement has remained the same since the beginning: “To develop an environment that promotes giving and therein seeks, receives, manages and distributes resources in a manner appropriate to support students, instructional programs and public service to Utah Tech University.” 

Although Utah Tech receives funding from the State of Utah, it depends on the generosity of donors to fund important education priorities. Giving opportunities include donating to specific academic programs, the Struggling Student Fund, athletic programs, the Atwood Innovation Plaza and providing scholarships

To get involved, including opportunities to volunteer, email [email protected].

Struggling Student funds are dedicated to helping Utah Tech students facing unforeseen life challenges. Students often have a loss of housing, food insecurity and other unexpected difficulties. To donate directly to students in need, click here

Written by JESSI BANG for St. George News.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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