Iowa City, IA -Diamonds or Denim, Riverside Theatre's annual fundraising gala, will include a new and unique element this year, one-of-a-kind birdhouses.

The birdhouses were decorated by local artists, community members, members of Riverside Theatre's Board of Directors and patrons of the theatre and look like anything but ordinary birdhouses.

Using paint, paper, cloth, lights, feathers, beads, metal and repurposed materials, the birdhouses have been transformed by their designers into original pieces of art.

"When we distributed birdhouses to area artists and friends of Riverside - we had no idea they would come back to us with such unique designs," said Riverside Theatre Artistic Director Jody Hovland.  "They are truly one-of-a-kind art objects - who would have thought a simple wooden birdhouse would generate such wildly imaginative and whimsical ideas?"

The only way to see these creative creations is to come to Diamonds or Denim.

The birdhouses will be part of the table decorations at this year's fundraising gala and will be sold within the evening's silent auction.

This year's Diamonds or Denim will be held at hotelVetro suites & conference center in the Plaza Towers, 201 S. Linn St. Iowa City, on Friday, February 24, starting at 6 p.m.

The event features a silent auction, live auction, raffle drawing, music by Iowa City's most eclectic ensemble The Recliners, appetizers and desserts provided by local eateries, and a cash bar.

This year's raffle offers two fabulous prizes. The first raffle prize is a 14K two-toned white and yellow gold diamond bracelet. The second raffle prize is a $1,000 Visa ® Gift Card, usable anywhere Visa is accepted. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25 and can be purchased by calling 319-338-7672. Raffle tickets will also be for sale at the event.

The professional live auction by Sharpless Auction offers a wide variety of unique experiences including dinners, excursions, accommodations in popular vacation destinations, and parties.

The silent auction will feature many unique items including jewelry, art, autographed books, handmade creations, and much more.

Regular tickets for Diamonds on Denim are $55 each ($45/ticket is tax-deductible) and tables of 10 are available for $500 ($40/ticket is tax-deductible). Discounted tickets are available for Riverdog Pass Holders for $50 each ($40/ticket is tax-deductible). Tickets can be purchased online at www.riversidetheatre.org, by phone at (319) 338-7672 or at the Riverside Theatre Box Office. The Box Office is located at 213 N. Gilbert St, Iowa City. Box Office Hours are: 12 - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the event. Tables of 10 must be arranged through the Box Office.

All proceeds from the evening will support Riverside Theatre programming.

What:              Dress for Success Quad Cities Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Reception

Date:               Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012

Time:               5:15 p.m. (with a reception between 4 and 6 p.m.)

Location:        Union Arcade Building, 111 E. 3rd St., Ste. 710, Davenport

Description: Dress for Success^® Quad Cities, the new local affiliate of the international not-for-profit organization, will host a Grand Opening reception and ribbon cutting event with the Quad Cities Chamber Ambassadors and the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The new affiliate opened its doors in November and now is inviting the business community to celebrate its mission to empower women toward economic stability. Dress for Success has served more than 600,000 women internationally by providing them with business-appropriate clothing, mentoring and professional development programs.

Royal Neighbors of America will be recognized for its donation of 200 "Totes for Hope." These totes will be distributed to women completing the Dress for Success Quad Cities program. The colorful bags, which include a daily planner, will serve as a functional accessory for the women in their new roles.

The organization's relationship with the business community will serve to further assist its clients.

"It's a natural fit to invite local businesses to learn who we are and what we do," said Regina Haddock Clewell, founder and executive director of Dress for Success Quad Cities. "As our clients work toward economic independence with the support we provide along the way, a relationship with area businesses is that essential next step."

About:            Dress for Success® Quad Cities is one of more than 115 affiliates around the globe. Each Dress for Success client receives one interview suit in her first visit, and once she finds work, receives additional attire, and an invitation to join the Professional Women's Group (PWG). The PWG program, along with career center and mentoring services, provides ongoing support to clients as they grow professionally, strive to turn their jobs into successful careers and journey towards economic independence.

www.dressforsuccess.org/quadcities

Plant a tree with Jewish National Fund before or on Tu BiShvat, February 8, and you will be entered into a raffle to win:

• 2 roundtrip tickets to Israel with EL AL Israel Airlines
• A free trip to JNF's Harvey Hertz Ceremonial Tree Planting Center at Neot Kedumim to plant a tree in Israel's soil with your own hands

Each tree purchased qualifies for one entry. JNF and EL AL employees and families of employees are not eligible.
Purchase must be a tree certificate. Other donations and purchases of any kind, including water certificates, will not be eligible for entry into the raffle.
Offer expires 2/8/2012 at 11:59PM EST.
The 2 EL AL tickets to Israel are available on a nonstop EL AL flight from EWR, JFK, or LAX. The applicable taxes of approximately $100 per ticket are not included. Travel must be completed by June 13, 2013; some restrictions and blackout dates apply. Tickets are based on availability as well as on the rules and regulations of "N" class, and are non-endorsable, non-refundable, and non-transferable. The award is not valid for receiving frequent flyer points nor will the tickets provide entitlement to involuntary compensation in the event of an over-sale or denied boarding situation.