Abbondànza
Image: Leah Evans (BFA - Art (Art Studio) '24), Mirrored Image of My Mother, cropped detail, acrylic and modelling paste on canvas, 24 x 36 inches, 2024.
ABBONDÀNZA & FINE ARTS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Once the premier fundraiser for Fine Arts endowed student scholarships, this exclusive and intimate event has a history of selling out quickly—and we anticipate its return to be just as eagerly embraced.
For 20 years, generous sponsors and supporters of the arts have come together for an evening of entertainment, Italian food, and fine art, all to support the passions and dreams of students studying art, drama, music and new media at the University of Lethbridge.
This year, Abbondànza comes with a fresh vision as part of Vibe Fest, breathing new life into its cherished legacy.
In this reimagined form, it will blend its beloved traditions with exciting new elements, creating a rich and unforgettable experience for all who attend.
ABBONDÀNZA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Over the years, the Abbondànza Scholarship Fund has grown to nearly $2 million, providing about $80,000 in funding each year to more than 30 undergraduate and graduate fine arts students - making a fine arts education more accessible and attainable, especially as costs for students continue to rise. As the ULethbridge Board of Governors continues its campaign to match contributions to endowed scholarships, all funds raised from this event will be effectively doubled, amplifying the impact of your support. This year, our goal is to generate $120,000 in new funds for the endowment in order to establish a new stream of scholarships and awards that provide fine arts students with practical, real-world opportunities.
Let's hear what our students have to say...
For 20 years, generous sponsors and supporters of the arts have come together for an evening of entertainment, Italian food, and fine art, all to support the passions and dreams of students studying art, drama, music and new media at the University of Lethbridge. Your support changes lives. Hear from just a few of the 155 students that have received Abbondànza scholarships.
$1,754,753 in Endowment Funds
That's eighty-seven sponsors
155 Scholarships Awarded
19 Fundraising Events
ABBONDÀNZA FUNDRAISER SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES
For those interested in supporting Abbondànza 2025 through sponsorship, we welcome the opportunity to discuss how your involvement can make a lasting impact on the future of fine arts education. Your support will play an important role in ensuring that students pursuing their passion in art, drama, music, and new media have the resources they need to succeed. For more information or to inquire about sponsorship, please contact Chelsea Tolton, Faculty External Relations Advisor at chelsea.tolton@uleth.ca, or Mac Nichol, Philanthropy Advisor at m.nichol@uleth.ca.
We look forward to partnering with you in this exciting new chapter of Abbondànza, as we continue to celebrate and support the next generation of creative talent.
If sponsorship isn’t right for you, but you would still like to support Fine Arts student scholarships, consider donating to the Abbondànza Scholarship Fund. 100% of your gift will be matched.
HISTORY
Conga lines and sing-alongs, chefs and serenades, performances, pottery, prints and more. Two local restauranteurs, Tony Rose and Rocco Suriano of the former Coco Pazzo Italian Café, saw how they could support fine arts students pursuing their education, bringing the idea of a fundraising dinner to then associate dean, Carl Granzow. Thanks to their passion and drive, the Abbondànza Endowment will continue to provide over 30 scholarships annually to students studying art, drama, music and new media.
Looking backwards, and forwards, at 20 years of supporting the fine arts
Conga lines and sing-alongs, chefs and serenades, performances, pottery, prints and more. Join the University of Lethbridge as it dances down memory lane, celebrating 20 years of Abbondànza!
Impact begins with an idea
In 2002, Tony Rose and Rocco Suriano had an idea. 20 years later, that idea has developed into a $1.6 million endowment, offering the largest Fine Arts scholarships available at the University of Lethbridge.
Abbondànza endowment provides record number of scholarships
Thanks to 20 years of community support, the University of Lethbridge is excited to announce an astounding 30 scholarships were awarded from the Abbondànza Fine Arts Scholarship Endowment in the 2020/2021 academic year.
Abbondànza | 20 Years of Support
Thank you to our generous supporters for making Abbondànza a success over the past 20 years. Your commitment to the arts has empowered countless students to pursue their dreams. We look forward to continuing this tradition of support in 2025 and beyond, inspiring the next generation of artists.
1st Choice Saving and Credit Union
Advance Glass and Aluminum
Alexander Whitehead Executive Search
Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge
Andreachuk Popovitch, Barristers, Solicitors & Mediators
Andrew Hilton Wine & Spirits
Andy & Linda Hakin
Anonymous
Anonymous
Avail CPA
Avonlea Master Builder (Avonlea Group)
Behrends Bronze
Bernard Callebaut Chocolates
Bill & Elsa Cade
Brad & Trudy Hembroff
Brian & Jenni Parkinson
Bridge City Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Canadian Linen & Uniform Service
Art & Mary Jane Crooks
The Estate of Carl Granzow
Charlton & Hill Ltd.
Cheryl Arelis & David Carpenter
Chez & Elizabeth Skinner
Kristin Ailsby & Jason Shriner
Coco Pazzo Italian Café
David Clearwater
dB Pro Audio Ltd
Dennis & Kate Connolly
Dennis Neufeldt & Helen Henderson
Desmond & Jane Rochfort
Dr. & Mrs. Howe Leam
Dr. Harry & Irene Penner
Dr. Van Christou
Ed & Katherine Wasiak
Ed Jurkowski & Colleen Bakker
Enercon Water Treatment
Erasmus Okine & Christine Murray
Express Coffee
Fee Simple Law LLP
FWBA Architects
Flexahopper Plastics Ltd.
Foster & Sons Jewellers
Frank & Tracy Zappone
Gold and Gold Productions
Gord & Elizabeth Jong
Greg Farries & Henry Doeve
Harold's Auto Service
Haul-All Equipment
High Level Roofing Ltd
Hirano & Heaton Architects
Howard and Sharon Tennant
Hunt Insurance
Intrigue Lingerie Boutique
Jason Sentes & Joanne Metzger, Credential Financial Inc.
Jim & Barb Cunningham
Kate Langston
Kelly Philipp & Karen Robertson
Kristine & Herb Wall
Kurt Schlachter & Jason VandenHoek
LA Gallery
Leeb Sherwin Financial Services
Lethbridge Herald
Lethbridge Vehicle Licensing & Registry
Lorna Peacock, Sutton Group
Mary Ingraham & David Owen
Mary Kavanagh
Meyers Norris Penny
Mike and Maureen Mahon
Minda Rogerson & Sheila Torgunrud
Glenn & Janice Varzari
Nicholas Wade & Carol Beatty
Olive A. Green
Paramount Development Group
Phyllis Singer
Pinetree Supply Ltd
Ralph and Catherine Thrall Jr.
Rod & Martha Draffin
Servus Credit Union
Shelly Scott & Bill Tice
Stringam LLP
Tom & Deb Ackerman
Torry Lewis Abbels
Urban Insight Development Group
Val and Flora Matteotti - Matteotti Ranches Ltd.
Vista Radio (CJOC 94.1 Juice; 98.1 2Day FM)
Wavetech Sound and Lighting
Yamaha Canada Music Ltd & St. John's Music Ltd.