Soroptimist ball raises $9,000 for MSU-N scholarships

The 16th annual We Love MSU-Northern Ball on Saturday raised a record-setting $9,000.

Organizers had expected to collect about $5,000 at the event. The largest amount raised by the fund-raiser previously had been $7,500, which occurred several years ago.

Attendance was up from last year. A total of 189 tickets were sold.

A jewelry raffle raised $1,245. Heirloom Jewelers and JM Donoven Designs donated the jewelry items for the raffle.

The winners of the raffle were:

Gold pendent with sapphires Valerie Hansen.

14 carat gold ring with amethyst and diamonds Michelle Calvert.

Donations of items for the silent auction exceeded the number given last year and the proceeds were higher, according to the organizers.

Soroptimist International of Havre uses the proceeds from the event for scholarships for students attending Montana State University-Northern. Those who receive the money are nontraditional students, generally people who have been out in the working world and are returning to school to pursue a new career path.

The annual event also features cocktails, a dinner and dancing. It was held at the college's Student Union Building.