Funds Raised to Connect Students to Opportunity
Photo Caption: (L): Earline Penson-Bagley; Ana Rau, PCC Foundation; Councilor Nadia Hasan, City of Beaverton; Honorable Margaret Carter; Chair Tiffani Penson, PCC District Board; Holly and Ernest Stephens, PCC Foundation Board.
The Portland Community College Foundation announced it has raised more than $318,000 from its annual gala, “Festival of Dreams,” presented by Comcast. The event was held on Saturday, April 29, at the downtown Portland Hilton.
The gala brought together 350 guests to raise funds that connect students to opportunity. Event proceeds will support the Foundation’s “Bridges to the Future” scholarship fund. These scholarships provide access to a college education for all people, particularly those from communities that have been historically underserved or excluded from higher education.
“We are grateful for this community of supporters who solidify partnerships and sustainable resources for the advancement of student learning and long-term success,” said Dr. Adrien Bennings, PCC President. “Our students are essential to our core, mission, and purpose. We collectively continue to be diligent advocates for their success, to promote lifelong learning and overall socioeconomic well-being.”
PCC Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline added, “We are thrilled with the outpouring of support from our community for our students and programs. The funds raised from this event will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students, helping them to achieve their dreams and succeed in their academic and career pursuits. We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors, donors, and attendees for making this event such a tremendous success.”
For the fourth year in a row, Comcast has stepped up as presenting sponsor of the event.
“PCC plays an essential role in our community, providing individuals from diverse backgrounds with opportunities for a successful future,” said Marion Haynes, Comcast’s vice president of External Affairs and PCC Foundation board member. “Comcast is proud to support the Portland Community College Foundation in its mission to remove barriers to education at Portland Community College through the power of partnerships.”
Haynes added that the success of the “Festival of Dreams” fundraiser is a testament to the commitment of the Portland community in supporting education and investing in the future of our students.