A gourmet five-course dinner featuring exotic dishes from around the world and entertainment from local ethnic groups in costume and playing authentic musical instruments will be a part of an international ball Thursday, Sept. 17, in Salt Lake City.
"It's shaping up to be one of the biggest social events of the year," said Rhonda Berg, executive director of the International Visitors Utah Council, which will present the Citizen Diplomat of the Year Award at the dinner.Rodney H. Brady, president and chief executive officer of Deseret Management Corp., former president of Weber State University and community leader, has been chosen to receive the award. Brady was formerly president and chief executive officer of Bonneville International.
The award will be presented by G. Donald Gale, vice president of news and public affairs at Bonneville.
Well-known Utahns and individuals prominent in the Washington, D.C., diplomatic arena will attend the black-tie gathering. The International Children's Choir, the Salt Lake Swiss Edelweiss Choir, the Salt Lake African-American Dancers, the Salt Lake Basque Dancers, Dionysus, the Salt Lake Scottish Dancers and the South American Tango Group will provide entertainment.
Others participants will include Melissa Anderson, Miss Utah 1998, and KSL sportscasters Greg Wru-bell and Tom Kirtland. Anderson, who was a runner-up in the Miss USA Pageant, will sing numbers that she performed in the competition.
The black-tie affair is open to the public, but tickets are required. Those attending are encouraged to wear international costumes or formal wear. Call the International Visitors Utah Council, 532-4747.