Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
The October 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.
Larry Hasson
This special premiere anniversary episode features Dewberry’s Larry Hasson (Associate Principal | Architecture Department Manager), who led the design team that created the IALR facility. Larry shares the story of how the design and architecture of the 90,000-square-foot building came to be.
For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/.
83 holiday wreaths were auctioned at open house event to support over 50 nonprofits
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) raised $17,745 for local charities through the annual “Wreaths for a Cause” holiday program. More than 150 guests attended the Dec. 15 open house to celebrate the holidays, enjoy door prizes and participate in a live and silent auction of wreaths – all to benefit area nonprofit organizations.
Area businesses and organizations created and displayed 83 wreaths in IALR’s atrium in honor of their selected charities to raise funds in the form of votes, or donations. The public visited IALR’s atrium Nov. 28-Dec. 15 to vote for wreaths with a donation. Each of the more than 50 charities represented retained those funds, and the wreath that collected the most money (donated by Goodyear Tire and Rubber to support United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County) received a bonus of $1,000 at the open house. Two random drawings of all wreaths awarded additional $1,000 and $500 bonus awards to participating charities: the Claire Parker Foundation, supported by GO TEC and Furniture Depot, and Hope House, supported by Wilkins & Co. and Building Blocks Center for Children with Autism. All wreaths were then auctioned off, raising more funds for the supported charities.
“It amazes me every year how much our community actively supports this annual charitable and festive event,” said Leslie Dobbins, Vice President, Facilities and the Institute Conference Center. “We are honored to serve as the facilitator and host of these beautifully decorated wreaths in support of our local charities. I sincerely appreciate our staff and all the area organizations and businesses for participating, and I deeply value the support and engagement of our community.”
At the open house, Austin Scher of the Danville Otterbots served as master of ceremonies, and Rita Smith of River City Auction served as wreath auctioneer. All guests had an opportunity to win door prizes donated from local businesses and ticket proceeds from the event went to the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County.
“Wreaths for a Cause” sponsors included platinum sponsor Dewberry; gold sponsors Goodyear Tire and Rubber, JTI and Wilkins & Co. Realtors; silver sponsor FCS Inc.; and bronze sponsors Caesars Virginia and Riverside Roof Truss. Since IALR began a holiday fundraising program for nonprofits in 2010, $157,333 has been raised for charitable causes.
Click here for more photos.
More than 80 holiday wreaths to be auctioned for local charities, and event ticket sales to benefit United Way
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) will hold “Wreaths for a Cause” this holiday season and invites the public to attend the Open House where they may celebrate the holidays, enjoy prizes and participate in a live and silent auction of wreaths. Tickets are $10 each with proceeds going to the United Way of Danville & Pittsylvania County. Funds from the wreaths will benefit the charity each participating organization designated.
“Every holiday season, we look forward to inviting the public to enjoy decorations in our Institute Conference Center while also giving back to our nonprofits who are so important to the fabric of our community,” said Ellen Bass of IALR. “This is the second year for Wreaths for a Cause, and we hope to raise even more funds than the $16,000 we were fortunate to raise last year.”
The Open House will be held in IALR’s atrium on Dec. 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided. Austin Scher of the Danville Otterbots will serve as master of ceremonies, and Rita Smith of River City Auction will serve as wreath auctioneer. A 7:15 p.m. drawing will award a gift card package from local businesses (currently valued at $250); individuals must be present to win. Open House tickets may be purchased in advance at IALR Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or at the door event night.
Area businesses and organizations create and display wreaths in IALR’s atrium in honor of their selected charities to raise funds in the form of votes, or donations. The public may visit IALR’s atrium Nov. 28-Dec. 15 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to vote for wreaths with a donation and to enjoy the festive display. Each charity retains those funds, and the wreath/charity that collects the most money prior to the Open House will receive a bonus of $1,000. At the Open House, a random drawing of all wreaths will award another $1,000 and $500 to a participating charity.
Photos from last year’s Wreaths for a Cause: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXfPACN
