Annual We Love Northern Ball set for Feb. 6

Montana State University-Northern will hold the annual We Love Northern Ball Saturday, Feb. 6, in the campus’ Armory Gymnasium.

Proceeds from tickets sales will go toward student scholarships.

Things this year will have extra glamour, though, with Hollywood Lights as the ball’s central theme.

Attendees will be encouraged to dress up as their favorite Hollywood stars.

There will be other trademarks of tinseltown galore, including a red carpet walk, a Hollywood-themed photo booth and awards given out for playing an assortment of games.

The theme was suggested by several people after last year’s ball, said Jim Bennett, director of the MSU-Northern Alumni Foundation.

Bennett said the theme of the event differs from years past.

“We were seeing similarities in a lot of different fundraising events,” he said.

As a result, Bennett said, organizers opted not to hold an auction during the festivities.

Instead, organizers will ask attendees to make a donation. Anyone who makes a donation, Bennett said, will automatically be entered into a drawing for a vacation getaway for two. Bennett declined to specify where that vacation destination will be, saying he wanted it to be a surprise.

He also said that the slight increase in ticket prices will allow guests to focus more on the fun and raise a good amount of money without interrupting the festive atmosphere to hold auctions.

Doors will open at 6 p m., when ticketholders will be able to play games and mingle. There will be a full bar provided by Vic's Place.

At 7 p.m. dinner will be served. Bennett said the meal will be based on dishes from celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck’s Oscar menu.

Some students in attendance will also do a musical performance.

After dinner, awards will be distributed to game winners before dancing and drawings for prizes are held.

This year, Bennett said, the foundation is hoping to raise $25,000.

Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased at the foundation, either by visiting its office in Cowan Hall 305, or by calling 265-3711.

Bennett said those interested are encouraged to purchase tickets right away, since last year tickets were sold out a week before the event.