The Missouri Western State University Ambassadors will hold their annual Night at the Ritz fundraiser on Friday, April 11. The reception, “Ritz Under the Stars,” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Remington Hall atrium on the Missouri Western campus. The cost is $35 per person, and reservations must be made by April 7 by calling 816-271-5670.

In the past, Night at the Ritz has been a dinner, but this year it will be a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The event will include a silent auction and raffle, and the Bushman Planetarium near the atrium will offer free shows.

“The Night at the Ritz is always a fun event for both the campus and community, and it’s for a very good cause,” said Diane Holtz, Ambassadors liaison. “We changed the event to a reception this year so those who attend will have a better opportunity to visit with each other and enjoy the evening.”

The Ambassadors is a volunteer organization of women on campus and in the community who recognize the importance of Missouri Western’s presence in the region. Their mission is to serve as a bridge to the community. The Ambassadors focus on supporting nontraditional students and annually host the Night at the Ritz event to raise funds for scholarships for nontraditional students. Since 1989, the Ambassadors have awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships and grants to nontraditional students. Night at the Ritz is open to both Ambassador members and non-members.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.