Western Nevada College throwing ‘Reach for the Stars’ gala on Aug. 20

Western Nevada College is throwing a party next weekend to introduce as many people as possible to the WNC campus observatory and, not incidentally, raise a few bucks to take care of the observatory.

Foundation Director Niki Gladys described the observatory as “kind of a community treasure” few people in the community know about.

“It’s an amazing place and it was originally funded all by private donations,” she said.

The Saturday, Aug. 20, event will feature cocktails, food and the chance to stargaze through the observatory’s powerful telescopes. The facility has three large telescopes inside for viewing the sky and nearly a dozen smaller telescopes that will be moved outdoors on the patio for guests.

Gladys said it’s a fundraiser to help take care of the observatory, which, she said, has been neglected over the years. The interior of the building, located up the hill behind the WNC campus, has already been repainted.

Any extra funding will go into WNC’s budget.

In addition, there will be a live band — Musicole — and dance floor in the parking lot and a large tent with what was described as “heavy hours d’oeurves” for attendees.

Just for fun, Gladys said the foundation also has invited a Tarot Card reader and astrologer to the event.

Later in the evening, she said there will be a silent auction of astronomical artworks.

Tickets are $99 apiece ($185 per couple or $720 for a table seating eight).

Sponsors for the fundraiser include Bill Pierce Motors, Bank of America, Waddell and Reed financial advisers, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Flanz Writes, the Reno-Truckee-Carson Paint Mart and QuickSpace.

“It’s mostly an outdoor event,” Gladys said adding the foundation hopes to make it an annual fundraiser for WNC.

Call 445-3240 for tickets and other information.