Third annual Ivalu Gala a huge success In early February, more than 400 guests gathered in downtown Anchorage to celebrate the third annual Ivalu Gala, benefitting Arctic Education Foundation (AEF). This year was extra special, as AEF was also celebrating its ‘ruby’ anniversary – 40 years of helping Iñupiaq residents of the North Slope with their educational goals. The event raises funds for the nonprofit foundation. In 2015 alone, AEF awarded nearly 500 scholarships to more than 300 students. Nearly 200 students assisted by AEF in 2015 were enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degrees. “I’m proud to say the foundation has changed the lives of hundreds of people in all walks of life,” said Sandra Stuermer, AEF’s manager. “Education is the key to furthering one’s career. It is so important to have achieved an education, since employers look to fill their positions with highly-educated people.” The evening was filled with art, awards and even a little bit of mentalism and magic. AEF and ASRC were proud to host world-renowned magician and mentalist, Oz Pearlman, for his first performance in Alaska. Pearlman was a finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2015. He’s also made appearances on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon as well as the Today Show, and has performed for celebrities and various audiences worldwide. You might have seen him the morning of the gala performing on Anchorage television station, KTVA Channel 11. Oz ended the evening with an unforgettable performance that left many asking, “How did he do that?”
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In addition to hosting a fun-filled evening, the gala’s purpose is to honor those who have contributed to AEF’s success. This year, the Umialik Award, meaning captain or boss, went to Anadarko, which has given $500,000 to AEF since 2007. The Flossie Hopson-Anderson Award was presented to Muriel K. Brower, former AEF manager. While Muriel could not be there to accept this award, she wrote a heartfelt letter that was read to the crowd. (Her letter is included at the end of this article). Long-time ASRC leader and founder of AEF, Jacob Adams Sr., gave the keynote address. Jake’s long-time commitment to AEF made his reflection of the past 40 years a great insight to AEF’s history. The emcees for the evening were Patuk Glenn, community economic development project manager for ASRC, and her father, Richard Glenn, executive vice president of Lands and Natural Resources for ASRC. Richard and Patuk are a symbol of AEF’s success with both being AEF recipients and college graduates. It was a special moment to have both generations present on stage representing AEF and doing their part to give back to the foundation. The Ivalu Gala succeeded once again in raising more than $250,000 from sponsorships, donations, table sales, ticket sales and art auctions. All of the funds go directly to the foundation and the scholarships they provide for students across the North Slope and elsewhere. This goal wouldn’t have been met without wonderful sponsors and the event’s volunteer committee.
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