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Pictured: Guests gathered at the "Funding Their Future" event at Perona Farms in Sparta, NJ
Wednesday, Oct. 16, was a night of recognition and celebration of Sussex County Community College’s success and progress during the past four decades.
Board of Trustees chairs, students, donors, community members, and business supporters gathered at Perona Farms in Andover for the premier Sussex County Community College Foundation fundraising event: Funding Their Future.
Since its inception in 2017, the event has recognized influential leaders who have shaped Sussex County Community College’s journey. This year, the foundation honored the College’s Board of Trustees Chairs, both present and past. Throughout the history of SCCC, the Board of Trustees Chairs have led the way, from establishing the campus in Newton to building successful programs that have served students and the community for more than 40 years.
This year’s event attracted a record number of attendees—207 supporters of the College came out to recognize the College’s accomplishments. With overwhelming support this year, this fundraising event grossed more than $89,000, shared Stan Kula, executive director of the SCCC Foundation.
“Last year we had 130 attendees and grossed $72,000, so big increases,” says Kula, who is “absolutely thrilled and stated the planning committee did such an amazing job to make the event so special!”
Kula credits the success of this year’s event to the Foundation Board of Directors, who “had a very active role in every aspect—from preparing the guest list and planning the event to arranging the entertainment and securing the items for our silent auction.”
At Funding Their Future, the Board of Trustees Chairs were honored, and students, donors, community members, and supportive businesses and corporations dedicated to SCCC’s mission of education were celebrated.
Kula shares that the evening included a cocktail reception featuring many culinary advisory board members affiliated with the SCCC Culinary Institute.
“Chef Martin Kester consistently excels at bringing together our culinary partners and students for the event,” says Kula. “Our culinary students had the unique opportunity to work directly with our culinary partners to make it a truly special experience for them.”
“Our student ambassadors and scholarship recipients connected with guests, sharing their stories and experiences at SCCC and highlighting why their support matters,” he continues.
Guests enjoyed live entertainment from two bands and a silent auction. The evening concluded with recognizing the current and past Board of Trustee Chairs.
“Ten Trustee Chairs were honored—This is something new for the Funding Their Future event to feature,” says Kula.
Honorees who attended the event included Jeffrey Quinn, Robert Vandenbergh, Lorraine Parker, William Curcio, Tyler Morgus, and current Chair Kurt Gewecke. The following were honored posthumously: Ron Jackowitz, Charles Tice, and Kirk Perry. Jacob Smith did not attend.
Proceeds from this fundraising event will be used in various ways.
“Each year, the foundation helps raise funds for student success, academic support, faculty and staff support, innovation, and campus building projects, so every student benefits from an event like this,” says Kula.
“A very special thanks to SCCC Foundation Chair Roger Thomas and Funding Their Future Planning Chair Alissa Isaacson for their wonderful remarks at the event and all their hard work and support to make this the best event ever!” Kula concludes.
To donate to the Foundation, visit sussex.edu/foundation.
