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. Tickets are $20 per person.

More than 200 items will be auctioned including gift certificates, a laptop computer, fishing trips, jewelry, a red motorcycle, autographed books from Charlie Weis and Rachael Ray, and a number of custom-made birdhouses from the workshop of Larry Pearson.

The event is in honor of Chad Pearson, son of Larry and Glenda Pearson. Chad 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.

Mrs. Pearson said that the event has continued to be a source of strength for her and the family. “I continue to see the face of God in all the people who are involved. They show up, support and believe in the cause.”

Mrs. Pearson recently became a grief counselor and is currently conducting her first sessions. She knows that it is an emotional journey and issues are always coming up but the dance helps her.

His parents have worked with the scholarship committee to select community-minded honors students for the award. Twelve 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.

They are about $5,000 away from the goal.

“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) 520-4896 or 520-4801 by Jan.31. Or visit http://www.iutop40.com for more information. Checks should be made out to Pearson Scholarship.