The weather in Santa Clarita Valley might be heating up, but the Valley Industry Association is already in a winter state of mind, gearing up for the return of the VIA Bash, with a theme of “Winter Wonderland,” Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. The black-tie event is a fundraiser for the VIA Education Foundation.

Returning after a several-year hiatus, the VIA Bash is a night of awards and business community recognition. The awards will honor the VIA Business of the Year, the VIA Volunteer of the Year and a Rising Star. The event planning committee co-chairs are Hillary Broadwater of QM Design Group and Debi Acker-Zolnoski of Circle of Hope.

Past award winners have included: Bank of Santa Clarita, Randy Moberg, Bayless Engineering and Poole & Shaffery, LLP.

A major function of the Bash is to raise funds for the VIA Education Foundation. Through its annual Connecting to Success program, the nonprofit organization serves more than 2,500 high school students from the William S. Hart Union High School District every year. The several-session program helps prepare students with skills they will need as they enter the workforce, and is facilitated by more than 80 local business professionals.

“We are very excited to have the VIA Bash make a return,” said Kathy Norris, President and CEO of VIA. “It has always been a popular community event, and has been in high demand in its absence. We’re looking forward to a really triumphant return.”

Tables are already filling up and sponsorship opportunities are available for the event, including: Title Sponsor ($4,500), Crystal Sponsor ($2,500), Silver Sponsor ($1,500), Sparkle/Door Sponsor ($300) and Snowflake Sponsors ($25). Title, Crystal and Silver sponsorships include a table for 10, special recognition and a variety of perks.

For more information contact the VIA office at (661) 294-8088 or admin@via.org.