Tuscany is also the birthplace of one of the oldest cattle breeds on the Earth - the Chianina (pronounced kee-ah-nee-na). This large and ancient line of livestock was bred for its superb meat well before the rise of the Roman Empire and was introduced into North America in the 1960s.

Spend an evening Under the Tuscan Moon at the National Ranching Heritage Center’s 2008 Gala, May 17, at the NRHC.

This year’s Gala committee is turning the Center's large, shaded brick patio into a Tuscan street scene.

Also, meet artist Doug West of Arroyo Seco, N.M., and see “The Art of Doug West” exhibitions in the Main and Macy Galleries.

Contact Robin Gilliam-Crawford at (806) 742-0498 or robin.gilliam@ttu.edu or purchase your tickets online below.

Gala Highlights

• A scooter-lined walkway and street musicians guide you to a 15-foot, flower-covered arbor entrance.

• Pick up your nametag inside, where you will see scenes of Italy, accompanied by a statuary still life and awning-covered doorways.

• On the patio, an Italian-inspired open bar will offer domestic and Italian beer and wines.

• Themed decorations include a working fountain, winery crates and barrels, tall sculptures and columns, an Italian streetscape with real vegetable market and flower cart, specially-made awnings and large grape arbor.

• Silent Auction features an Italian leather coat, original art and more, plus a new “But It Now” price option to speed check-out time.

• Money Tree Raffle with hundreds of retail, entertainment and restaurant gift cards. A $10 raffle ticket can win them all. (Buy tickets that night or by contacting robin.gilliam@ttu.edu).

• Three Coins in the Fountain opportunity to win a prize.

• Catered dinner by L.E. Anderson, with menu designed by Idris Traylor, Steve Almond and Linda Malouf Walter.

• Italian-inspired door prizes and thank-you gifts.

• Musical entertainment.

• “The Art of Doug West” exhibition in Main and Macy Galleries.

• Suggested attire: patio clothes.