A silent auction will be from 6 to 9 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; and dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. The evening includes Polish-style buffet and cash bar. DJ services are being donated by Buddy King of Oldies 94.3 FM. Tickets are $20 a person.

More than 160 items will be auctioned including gift certificates, tools, a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan with champagne and hors d’oeuvres on a 78-foot yacht, fishing trips, jewelry and 15 custom-made birdhouses from the workshop of Larry Pearson.

The event is in honor of the Pearsons’ son, Chad. He was a student at IU South Bend and was studying in London when he was struck by a car and killed in 1994. The scholarship was established by friends and family in his honor and the first one was awarded in 1995.

His parents have worked with the scholarship committee to select community-minded honors students for the award. Eleven scholarships to IU South Bend students have been awarded since 1995.

Through the support from his parents, friends, family, community members and business leaders, the endowment is now $64,000. The Pearsons’ goal is to reach $100,000 so that a $5,000 scholarship can be awarded each year.

During the reception, Chad’s mother, Glenda Pearson, will be autographing her book, “But Should the Angels Call for Him: A Mother’s Journey Through Grief and Discovery.” The book will be on sale at the event.

“Our son, Chad, exemplified everything good about an IUSB student – compassionate, generous, studious, fun-loving and committed to improving the quality of life for everyone. This scholarship fund helps IUSB students achieve their dreams of a life of service to others. By building the scholarship fund to the $100,000 level, we will be able to make a significant difference in the lives of our future leaders,” according to Mr. Pearson.

For more information or tickets, call (574) 273-0888 by Jan. 20. Or visit www.iutop40.com for more information.