Dear Friends,

We had hoped we wouldn't have to write this message, but the damage from the ice storm in Oxford has proved catastrophic. We have made the difficult decision to postpone the Candice O. Walker Memorial Scholarship Gala, originally scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, until the area recovers. We had hoped that rising temperatures would help improve conditions, but it's clear Oxford's infrastructure is still reeling. 

Please know that we are committed to rescheduling this event. Unfortunately, at this very moment, most of Oxford still does not have power, some areas do not have water, supplies are low and road conditions are still very unsafe. In order to ensure the best possible celebration honoring Candice and her legacy, we need to push this event to a later date.

Stay tuned! As soon as we have a new date set, we will update you here and via email. Thank you for your patience with us. We waited to make this decision because we were so eager to gather with you all this weekend, but postponing is the only possible course of action. Thank you for your support! 

If you have pictures of Candice you'd like to share that can be used in a slideshow at the gala event, please click here to upload them!

Today is the last day to book a sponsorship and secure your seat at the Candice O. Walker Memorial Scholarship Gala. If you know someone who'd like to attend and has not yet given, please reach out and let them know! Now is the time to act!

We can't wait to see everyone in Oxford on Friday, Jan. 30. If you cannot attend, please submit your photos to the slideshow anyway and consider making a gift to the scholarship fund. Every dollar raised supports Ole Miss students who carry on Candice's legacy.

Thanks to an overwhelming outpouring of support, we are setting our sights higher and increasing the fundraising goal for the Candice O. Walker Memorial Scholarship from $9,000 to $12,000. With your help, we are exceeding expectations!

If you've already given to celebrate and expand the legacy of our friend and sister, Candice, thank you! Hopefully, we will see you in Oxford on Jan. 30. 

If you have not yet had a chance to make your gift, now is the time! Gifts of ANY size will help us reach this new goal. Consider joining us for the Candice O. Walker Memorial Scholarship Gala and make a gift to sponsor a seat, a pair of seats or a table. We can't wait to celebrate with you!