Governor’s Ball Raises Over $330,000

By: Jess Moschella
Posted In: Campus News

NEWPORT, RI – This year marked the 30th anniversary of the annual Governor’s Ball, held at Salve Regina University, and raised over $333,600 to benefit the student scholarship fund, on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Upon entrance into Ochre Court, guests were greeted by the sight of the mansion’s Christmas tree. The tree was decorated with white lights and hundreds of strands of pearls, which was theme of the gala. Under the tree, multitudes of charmingly wrapped packages lay strewn about, giving the whole room a feeling of fun and fantasy.

The theme of this year’s Governor’s Ball focused on the pearl, which traditionally, is symbolic of a 30 year anniversary. The theme was suggested by Pat Issa and Kathy Lee, the wives of the chairmen.

The chairs that were selected to organize this year’s ball were Steven and Pat Issa and Mike and Kathy Lee. Issa and Lee are both representatives from Sovereign Bank.

The chairwomen also incorporated red into the color scheme, undoubtedly trying

to utilize the traditional colors associated with the holiday season.

The Governor’s Ball first debuted in December of 1977. The ball was organized with help of then Governor, J. Joseph Garrahy and M. Therese Antone, the university’s president.

Since its establishment, Antone and past governors of Rhode Island have worked hand in hand to ensure the success of the event. Governor Donald L. Carcieri and family attended this year’s event, and along with Antone were friendly faces in the events receiving line, who greeted the well dressed and excited guests upon their arrival to the gala.

The committee that that is responsible for organizing and overseeing the details of this black tie event is headed by the Issa’s and Lee’s and is compromised of approximately seventy members. This committee is aided by the alumni committee, headed by the alumni chair Murray, which is comprised of approximately fifteen members.

Both committees work closely with Catherine Mureddu, who was the Governor’s Ball Coordinator. Mureddu has been working at Salve for the past eight years, and has been actively involved with plans and preparation for the event.

“Guests that are invited to the event are chosen in various ways,” Mureddu said.

Each year the committees go through a long list of prior attendants. After seeing whether the guests on the list have made an appearance at the event or have showed an

interest in the event they are either sustained or removed from the list.

The alumni committee is responsible for soliciting Salve’s other alumni and generating interest among them; those showing curiosity are added to the guest list and sent an invitation.

“The main goal is to generate interest among alumni,” Mureddu said.

The reason that the gala has been so successful over the past 30 years has been it ability to welcome in the holiday season with an elated atmosphere. The overall goal of the event is to raise scholarship money to aid Salve students, and show appreciation for the community that the university is a part of.

The event shows the “true community spirit,” Mureddu said. “True generosity and true community spirit is always present at this event,” Mureddu said for the reason people keep returning to the event.

Mureddu also said that the presence of students, mostly members of Sigma Phi Sigma, the National Mercy Honor Society, has a great influence on the guests attending the event. The Sigma members help the event run smoothly by aiding in coat check, valet parking, tending to fire exits and other tasks.

Alyssa Scotti, a member of Sigma who is awaiting induction in the spring, was volunteering at the event.

“Sigma members were greeted with much enthusiasm,” Scotti said. “I believe that the guests enjoy seeing Sigma members at the Ball because they are glad to see where their moneys are going.”

The Sigma members have to attend a preparation meeting where they are informed of their importance at the event and the tasks they with which they need to assist.

“I take great pride in working for the event that helped raise money for my tuition,” Scotti said.

Even though Scotti was preoccupied with volunteer responsibilities at the event, she could tell that the gala was a success and that the guests were enjoying themselves.

“Ochre Court was decorated beautifully, the music was entertaining and the guests were drinking and dancing the whole evening,” Scotti said.

The purpose of the Governor’s Ball was to spark corporate support for the university and finance the university’s scholarship fund. Over the past thirty years, the Ball has managed to raise over $3.6 million.

The hors d”oeuvres at the event were provided by Blackstone Caterers. The decorations were provided by Broadway Florist, and the entertainment was provided by Mac Chrupcala Orchestra.