The Gavilan College Faculty Association and Gavilan College staff, in conjunction with the Gavilan College Educational Foundation, is organizing a gala fundraising event for Spring 2014. Titled “Sowing Seeds, Nurturing Dreams,” the event will raise money to provide scholarships, food assistance and transportation assistance for students in need. It will also be an opportunity to spend an evening on the beautiful Gavilan College Gilroy campus with friends, community members and alumni, and enjoy superb local food and wines, all for a great cause.
Recent research by the college has shown that many Gavilan College students struggle to buy food. According to Gavilan College Executive Vice President Kathleen Rose, “When students don’t have enough to eat or a way to get to class, they are unlikely to remain in school. Gavilan takes a ‘whole student’ approach in providing the best environment to succeed academically, and thrive personally. Together with our community partners, we can do more to ensure that today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders.”
The event will be held at the Gavilan College Student Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 25. It will feature some of the best of local food and wine, an enticing silent auction, select unique items in a live auction, and a showcase of student talent in music, theater, and art. Gilroy Chamber of Commerce director Mark Turner will be the emcee, and Gavilan College Facilities Director (and Gilroy High School football announcer) Jeff Gopp will serve as auctioneer.
Admission is $50 per ticket, and will be limited to guests 21 and over. Event organizers hope to sell 300 tickets.
Restaurants and wineries from throughout the district will be on hand to serve samples of their menu offerings, and pour their locally-made wines. Many businesses have already committed to participating in this unique event, including Fortino Winery, Guglielmo Winery, Sunlit Oaks, Ninja Sushi, Mama Mia’s, House of Siam, Patty’s Perfect Pantry, and sponsor Heritage Bank of Commerce.
Businesses that would like to participate by serving food or wine, contributing auction items, or becoming sponsors should contact Jan Bernstein Chargin at (408) 848-4724 or click here for more information. Tickets, available online through the above link, will go on sale January 1.
