You couldn’t miss the sounds of country music in Tucson when more than 450 guests, many donning cowboy hats and boots, kicked up their heels during GIA’s annual Dance Party and Auction. Open to all, the Feb. 4 event was sponsored by the Alumni Association.

Held in conjunction with the Tucson Gem and Mineral shows, the country-themed event helped raise $16,000 for the Alumni Endowment Fund. Up for live auction, with the help of auctioneer Joseph DuMouchelle, was a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, which fetched $1,200, and a signed photomicrograph by John Koivula that raised $450.

Highlights of the silent auction included personal items from the late Richard T. Liddicoat’s estate, a wide array of jewelry, sports memorabilia, a Chatham Created Gems Inc. synthetic pink diamond and gem-related books. The fund-raising event was followed by dinner and dancing that went on well into the night.

“This year’s party was a great success,” said Rose McKenna, Alumni Relations manager. “It was all possible thanks to the many volunteers who helped make a fun event run smoothly.”