Concordia University Raises $220,000 at its Annual A Gala of Stars

(Concordia University News Release - May 24, 2005)

IRVINE, CA, May 24, 2005--Inside an arena transformed into a 1950s turntable, 19 student performers rocked around the clock last Saturday night as 470 guests raised $220,000 for student scholarships at Concordia University’s "A Gala of Stars" sponsored by Superior Homes Realty & Investment, Inc. The one-hour set of songs and dance numbers was directed by Concordia alumni Kris Huston, Rob Blaney and Chris Tornow.

Guests included former boxing champion Ken Norton and 99-year-old Molly Frick Wampler, one of the founders of the university. Pat Boone, recipient of the university’s Lifetime Achievement Award, pleased everyone by singing "Love Letters in the Sand" and "Under God." Concordia University also presented its Great Commission Award to the Rev. Ronald Rall of St. Louis, Missouri, and its Servant Leadership Award to Helen Steinkamp, founder and past president of Marketplace Women.

Mistress of Ceremonies Stephanie Edwards and Auctioneer Charles Dreyer kept the energy of the evening at stellar levels. More than 150 volunteers from the Friends of Concordia University spent one year organizing the event. John and Linda Friend of Dana Point served as event chairs.


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