COCC Foundation events raise $383K for scholarships

Nearly 850 attendees of the recent Central Oregon Community College Foundation’s Taste of the Town and Meal of the Year benefits set a 37-year fundraising record: $383,000 was raised for student scholarships at COCC.

This year, 330 students received COCC Foundation scholarships.

“This was such an inspiring expression of generosity and will forever change the lives of the students who receive scholarships because of this giving,” said Jim Weaver, executive director of the COCC Foundation.

This year’s benefit included Taste of the Town on Feb. 27 and the Meal of the Year dinner and auctions on Feb. 28. The sold-out Friday event featured signature selections from 20 local restaurants, live music by High Street Band, dancing and a silent auction.

Nearly 400 people attended the Saturday dinner, which featured a four-course gourmet dinner created and served by Cascade Culinary Institute students and chefs as well as live and silent auctions. In addition, Tim and Martha McGinnis were honored fortheir numerous contributions to the Central Oregon community.