The Gemological Institute of America’s annual Alumni Auction and Dance Party will be held Feb. 6 at the Marriott University Park Hotel in Tucson, Ariz. This year’s theme will be “Sunset in the Desert.”

Each year, the GIA Alumni Association hosts an event for alumni and friends during the Tucson trade shows. The evening will include the official presentation of the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship, GIA Alumni International Awards, silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing.

GIA has issued a request for individuals to donate auction items. Also, GIA Alumni chapters can participate in the “gift basket challenge” by creating a themed basket to be contributed. The annual auction has become a tradition and is an important source of support for the Alumni Association, according to Rose McKenna, G.G., Alumni Relations manager for GIA.

All auction proceeds benefit the Alumni Endowment Fund and are invested in perpetuity. Interest earned on the fund may be used for special alumni programs.

For more information about the GIA Alumni Party, visit www.gia.edu/alumni.

JCK