The 13th annual Albert Lea Campus Foundation Gala Event will be held from 8 p.

Sunday, April 4, 1999

The 13th annual Albert Lea Campus Foundation Gala Event will be held from 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday, April 10, at the Albert Lea National Guard Armory. Tickets are available in advance at all three Andersen Hallmark Stores and Northpark for $40 each. They are also available at the door for $50.

This year’s theme is &uot;Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Lifelong Learning.&uot;

The gala raises money for student scholarships to Riverland Community College’s Albert Lea Campus. Over $200,000 has been given in scholarships to Albert Lea campus students over the past 13 years, said Mary Jo Dorman, who is co-chairing the event with her husband, Dan.

&uot;It’s really the only event of its kind in the community, and it’s a great way to help further local students’ educations,&uot; Dorman said.

Since 1986, the Albert Lea Campus Foundation has grown from giving 24 scholarships to providing 1,400 scholarships and emergency aid, averaging over 50 per year.

The Dormans have many dedicated volunteers helping with preparations for the gala.

Beverage committee chairman is Sherman Morgenstern. Jackie Carlson heads the decorating committee. Mike Woitas is in charge of the entertainment. Jackie Abrego heads the coat check committee.

Lee Sutton is heading the food committee this year.

The food will have a new gourmet twist, Dorman added.

Curtis Williams is the media committee chairman. Sue McCormick is in charge of student volunteers.

Set-up is headed by Mick Delger. Don Nolander is in charge of security.

Pam Bishop heads the table sponsors committee.

The gala will also feature a new band, Hitz, from the Twin Cities area.

Hitz is becoming known as one of the Midwest’s power house show bands. The group is led by original lead singer Kent Hogan, and brings excitement, audience participation and a knowledge of what makes an event fun for all.

The group has appeared with Association, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Peter Noone, The Grassroots, The Turtles, Blood Sweat & Tears, Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett, The Coasters, The Crystals, Trashmen, Oak Ridge Boys, Grand Funk Railroad, Roy Orbison, Fats Domino, Chubby Checker and Wayne Newton.

Hitz has played at the Minnesota State Fair, Wisconsin State Fair, Missouri River Expo, Summerfest, Art Fest, Riverfest, Blue Earth County Fair, Jackson County Fair, June Jamboree, Fargo Fest, Montana State Fair, Idaho State Fair, Opryland Hotel, Grand Old Days, Kansas City Auto Show, Wichita Kansas Auto Show, Tulsa Oklahoma Auto Show, California Auto Show and Commodore Cruise Lines.

Hitz plays the hits from Brooks and Dunn to The Everly Brothers.

Dorman said with a new location, new band and new focus on food, it’s an event that should not be missed.

&uot;It’s a fun event to attend while raising money so local community college students can start or continue their education,&uot; Dorman said.