OXFORD, Miss. – Faculty and students in the University of Mississippi’s Department of Nutrition and Hospitality have been working hard this semester to put together the 2013 Square Toast for Scholarships, a one-night event of wine, food and silent auction with a purpose.
This year’s event, the sixth annual fundraiser, is set for 5-9 p.m. Dec. 5 on the Oxford Square.
“Square Toast for Scholarships is an event organized by students, for students,” said Jeremy Roberts, UM adjunct instructor and event management coordinator. “Students working with the venues, obtaining silent auctions items and selling tickets are generating funds for their peers to continue their educational endeavors with our program at Ole Miss.”
The event kicks off with check-in and a silent auction at the Lyric Oxford. Restaurants, catering and retail from on and off the Square will come together to form a winter wonderland. The Square will be decorated with holiday décor, including lights, trees, art displays of wine bottles and branches. Colors of white, silver and blue will showcase the theme of a time for giving, and giving back.
Event guests will be able to travel through this wonderland sampling foods and wine from each participating venue.
Past years’ events have raised nearly $100,000 toward the department’s scholarship fund. More than 35 venues are participating this year, making it the largest event to date. The department hopes to raise $35,000, which will provide funding for several scholarships.
Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at http://www.olemiss.edu/squaretoast until noon Dec. 5. Beginning at 5 p.m., tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets allow participants to partake in the silent auction, receive a map of participating venues and a wine glass for tastings at participating venues. All participants must be at least 21 years old. All tickets will be held for the night of the event at the check-in desk at the Lyric Oxford.