SUNY Buffalo State's 17th annual Foundation Scholarship Gala was held in the Student Union Social Hall on Saturday.
The gala served as a way to recognize honor students for their achievements and to "provide scholarships to students enrolled in Buffalo State's prestigious Muriel A. Howard Honors Program," according the Buffalo State website.
"The gala raises within the vicinity of $265,000 towards scholarships, which is the prime reason for having it," Interim President Cohen said. According to the Buffalo State website, the annual fundraiser has raised more than $3 million since its creation in 1998.
Cohen also said that he thought the gala was spectacularly conceived and executed.
The Social Hall was embellished with tables covered with black cloths and colorful flowers to spruce up the room. Sparkling snowflakes dangled from the ceiling to light up the room, adding a relaxing ambiance.
Tables covered in white cloth with purple and green lights to add that extra glowing to the room sat throughout the Fireside Lounge.
The entrance fee was $200. Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a multicourse gourmet dinner catered by Chartwells.
Manny Lezama, senior director of Chartwells, was responsible for booking performers for the night.
A live performance by singing waiters act The Three Waiters and a Frank Sinatra look-alike enhanced the night and entertained guests. There was also a live auction, which included a ticket to an overnight getaway in Toronto and a package that included tickets to see the Buffalo Bills play at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
All of the proceeds from the event went to the Foundation Scholarship.
Mayor Byron Brown sits with his wife, and Patricia Cohen.
M&T Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, LP Ciminelli, Larkin Development, Salvatore's and Russell's Steak, Chops and More each donated $25,000 a piece to the event.
"I think this is exposure for the students with the networking that goes on at the event. It is very powerful," Bair said, adding that having this on campus is also exposure for Buffalo State.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, a Buffalo State alum, attended the event along with Interim President Cohen and the deans and vice presidents of various departments.
"It was a night to celebrate all of SUNY Buffalo State," Bair said.
