The Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) welcomes the public to its 12th Annual Global Gala on Friday, April 1 at the Peppermill Resort Casino. The Gala includes a night of international entertainment and cuisine, and features Ambassador Ryan Crocker as the 2011 Keynote Speaker. The NNIC is also honored to have First Lady Kathleen Sandoval serve as honorable chair for the event.

The theme of the 2011 Global Gala is "Defense, Development and Diplomacy: Pathways to Peace." The Gala showcases Reno's cultural and culinary delights, and also incorporates a silent auction with an international flair. The NNIC will also welcome two of its visiting delegation from South Africa and the Ukraine.

"The Gala is an annual event for the NNIC to demonstrate who we are and what we do," Executive Director Carina Black said. "We are fortunate to have two of our visiting delegations, a group a South African entrepreneurs and Ukrainian tourism officials, attend and participate. This is a great chance for members of the community to learn more about this program, as well as interact with the delegates."

Ambassador Crocker is considered one of the State Department's most experienced authorities in Middle Eastern Affairs. Crocker has served five times as Ambassador in Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon; a career spanning from 1990 to 2009. Crocker played an integral role in quelling violence in Iraq and instituting a more stable government, in addition to aiding Iraqi security forces with safety. For his services, Crocker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, and was granted the personal rank of Career Ambassador by President George Bush.

In accordance with the Northern Nevada International Center's mission to encourage citizen diplomacy, Washoe County students are invited to submit essays for the 2011 Rotary Gala Essay Contest, sponsored by the Reno Sunrise Rotary Club. The essay should address whether development assistance and diplomacy play a role in making America and the world more secure. Two essay winners will receive a $250 and $500 award, two gala tickets and their essays featured in the program booklet. The deadline to submit essays is March 11.

Tickets for the event are $60 per person. The NNIC also welcomes corporate sponsors, with special VIP accommodations for these individuals. Tickets and information regarding sponsorship are available at the NNIC website at nnic.org. Cocktails are served at 6:00 P.M. with the Gala beginning at 7:00.

"The Gala is an opportunity for the public to learn how international Reno really is," Black said. "We want to emphasize the positive impact the NNIC has on so many people."

The NNIC works to foster the role of citizen diplomacy in building bridges of international awareness and understanding, through programs of international exchange and community and educational outreach. More information regarding the Global Gala or the NNIC can be found by visiting the NNIC website at nnic.org or by calling (775) 784-7515.

SUMMARY

• What: Northern Nevada International Center Gala
• When: Friday, April 1. Cocktails at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m.
• Where: The Peppermill Resort and Casino
• Who: Honorary Chair First Lady Kathleen Sandoval and Keynote Speaker Ambassador Ryan Crocker