The University of Lethbridge will take centre stage at the 2009 Mayor's Luncheon for Business and the Arts, Sept. 10.

The U of L will be honoured as the winner of a 2009 Allied Arts Council (AAC) Award for Excellence as the local service organization that has significantly enhanced the arts in the community of Lethbridge.

In total, three AACE awards are handed out, including one to an individual, one to a service organization and one to a local business. Val and Flora Matteotti will be honoured as individuals and Sterling Mutuals, Inc. earns the business award. As well, the 2009 Joan Waterfield Memorial Award will be presented to Frances Shultz. The Waterfield Memorial is given to an individual artist for outstanding contributions to the community.

The Mayor's Luncheon is Thursday, Sept. 10, 11:30 a.m. at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre. Tickets for the event are priced at $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, Sept. 4.

To purchase tickets, contact the Allied Arts Council at 403-320-0555.