‘Saddle Up’ virtual auction benefits CGCC student scholarships

CGCC is looking for donations and hopes you will participate in its scholarship auction coming in May. Proceeds will help local students further their education as the need is high. Currently, there is only enough funding for half of the 70 students who need a scholarship. This year’s auction will be done virtually. Above is a CGCC File Photo from the same event in 2019.

From Columbia Gorge Community College

By Wendy Patton

Columbia Gorge Community College is bucking a statewide trend as one of Oregon’s only community colleges with growing enrollment despite pandemic restrictions.

And that’s all the more reason to raise money for student scholarships. The need is high.

“More than 70 students have applied for scholarships, and at this time we only have funds to award half of those,” said Wendy Patton, CGCC Foundation executive director. “We do not want to turn the other half away.  We need your help this year more than ever.”

With this in mind, mark your calendars and be ready to bid on great items starting Tuesday, May 4 through May 11, as Columbia Gorge Community Foundation hosts “Saddle Up and Celebrate,” one of two annual scholarship fundraisers.

This will be a virtual auction, with all activities taking place online in keeping with COVID precautions. But unlike an in-person event, the virtual format means this year’s “Saddle Up” will be open to the whole world.

From now until April 28, the college foundation is inviting donations of items, experiences and services for the online auction. Event sponsorships are also encouraged.

Then, beginning May 4, everyone will be invited to log onto the auction site and participate.

“At the CGCC Foundation, we believe our entire community benefits when every student has access to the tools and resources needed to support success in school and in life,” Patton said. “Your support allows the foundation to further its mission of building dreams and transforming lives by creating opportunities for lifelong learning.”

If you’d like to sponsor or otherwise contribute, please email foundation@cgcc.edu , or visit www.cgccfoundation.org to download a sponsorship form. For information, please call Wendy Patton, (541) 506-6104.