UOIT Legacy Gala announces Venice as next stop on international tour

OSHAWA, ON. - On Friday, September 18, business leaders, community partners and special guests are invited to visit the most romantic city in the world as Venice, Italy plays host to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Durham College 2009 Legacy Gala.

Known for its canals, beautiful streets, stone walkways and cafés, Venice is home to several historical landmarks including Ponte di Rialto, Palazzo Ducale, Ponte dei Sospiri and Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) - the inspiration behind the 2009 gala's silent auction.

Guests will watch as the historic charm and lure of Venice's watery landscape comes to life through masquerade, music, a live auction, dancing and wine tasting.

Co-hosted by Ida and Tony Albis, the event will take place at Tosca Banquet Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the silent auction, drinks and hors d'oeuvres, followed by an authentic Venetian dinner, entertainment and more.

Held each September to raise funds for the university's and college's scholarship and bursary programs, the Legacy Gala also increases awareness about post-secondary students' need for financial assistance while acknowledging the generous contributions of community members and local businesses. More than $1 million in total has been raised through the annual event, with last year's gala raising more than $250,000.

Sponsorship opportunities, including silent and live auction donations, are still available for businesses, organizations and individuals interested in participating and helping to build a legacy of opportunities for post-secondary students.

For more information on how to contribute to or attend the 2009 Legacy Gala, please contact Pamela Dunn, event co-ordinator at 905.721.8668 ext. 2278.

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About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's more than 5,500 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@uoit.ca