AN EVENING OF ARTS AND FASHION–A Philanthropic Event

To Benefit Women in the Military

and the Women’s Foundation of Oklahoma

(STILLWATER, Okla. Jan. 25, 2012) – Technology has not only changed the way we do business, it has allowed military personnel to continue their education online and stay in touch with their families while deployed. Numerous others, such as single parents, also elect to continue their education online.

Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business has nationally recognized accredited distance education programs that provide online course and degree options, but funding and technology for individuals interested in enrolling online often become obstacles.

ConocoPhillips, corporate sponsor for Oklahoma State University’s student chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), provides funding for programs and activities that have helped AAUW become one of the most successful new organizations on the OSU campus. The women of this distinguished organization are focused on “breaking through barriers for women and girls” in all aspects of life.

As such, they aspire to be women of philanthropic service and leadership. With this goal in mind, AAUW will host its first annual philanthropic event, An Evening of Arts and Fashion, on March 16 in the ConocoPhillips Alumni Center Click Hall on the Oklahoma State University campus.

This event will be a formal evening of arts and fashion, including dinner and wine; ballet, tap, and opera performances, and a runway show with fashion created by world-renowned designer Stella Thomas. Her work was recently featured in the Miami Art Basel, she won the 2010 Dallas Designers Display Competition, which then took her to the Couture Competition in New York City, and her fashion designs will be modeled in the upcoming Ferrari campaign. Throughout her career, she has designed for international royalty and superstars such as Jada Smith, Jimmy Choo and many others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDARbIyq6lY

Opening the show on March 16 will be Betty Thompson, Miss Oklahoma and first runner-up in the recent Miss America pageant. Stella’s sensational designs will be worn during the show by models from OSU and the surrounding area.

This event will generate funds to support two philanthropies: 1) military women, who along with their families continue to selflessly serve and sacrifice, ­­by using the funds to provide laptop computers, and 2) providing funds for a program supported by the Women’s Foundation of Oklahoma which helps single moms continue their college education.

“Helping our military women stay connected with their families and continue their education is our way to give back to those who give to all of us by serving our nation,” said Jeretta Horn Nord, co-advisor of AAUW and a professor of Management Science and Information Systems in the Spears School of Business who holds the Jeanine Rhea – Oklahoma International Women’s Foundation Professorship.

“Children are our future and we believe that positive role models and support provided by parental education is the solution to a better tomorrow,” said Nord, who says that OSU’s AAUW chapter is also contributing funds to the Women’s Foundation of Oklahoma.

AAUW is looking for sponsorships from individuals and organizations to generate funds for the selected philanthropies. The opportunities for supporting these philanthropies and enjoying an unforgettable evening are listed below:

Corporate Table Sponsorship: $2,000

Includes a table for 10 with preferred seating, a full-page ad in the program, and recognition during the event.

Table for Military Cadets and Officers: $1,000

OSU’s military cadets and officers will open the show in dress uniform.   Sponsors for two tables (20 individuals) are needed so that the event has a military presence and they can enjoy the event.

Table Sponsor for 10: $1,000

            Company or individual’s name listed in program.

Individual Seat: $100 each

Silent Auction Donation(s)

            Donation(s) and name/company name listed in program.