CGCC Raises $21,000 for Scholarships at Auction
By Wendy Patton
More than a hundred bidders helped raise over $21,000 to support student scholarships when Columbia Gorge Community College Foundation held its “Saddle Up & Celebrate” online auction this spring.
“While we missed seeing people in person this year, we’re grateful for all those who participated online as we pivoted because of COVID restrictions,” said Wendy Patton, the foundation’s executive director. This year’s fundraiser will support eight scholarships to Columbia Gorge Community College. The auction took place from Tuesday, May 4 to 11.
“We had 40 fabulous packages put together by generous donations from local businesses and supportive community members,” Patton added. “One hundred-plus folks placed bids on local winery tours, student art, glider rides, hotel stays, summer dinner parties, live music, and local artists’ works.”
This year’s event sponsors were Bremik Construction, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, NW Natural, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, PlanB Consultancy, Arnerich Massena, Les Schwab in Hood River and The Dalles, and longtime college supporters Bill and Darlene Marick.
The virtual format replaced, at least for this year, a traditional in-person dinner hosted at Fort Dalles Readiness Center on The Dalles Campus.
Patton said her number one goal is to fund every qualified scholarship. “I do not want to turn any student away who wants to attend CGCC,” she added. “The Foundation Board is working to ensure every student knows the support and generosity of the community — a community that believes in them and is committed to equipping them with resources to attain their educational goals.”
Visit the CGCC Foundation website to learn more. www.cgccfoundation.org
