Decatur, IL – On Saturday, March 23, the Richland Community College Foundation broke previous fundraising records – raising more than $115,000 for students across the College’s campus at its first ever Bright Futures Gala (presented by DCC Marketing).
This year, the Foundation retired their annual Culinary Scholarship Dinner, which solely supported the Culinary Institute, to create the Bright Futures Gala. With this gala, the Foundation can use the funds to support programs across the College. While the name and funding source changed, the spirit of the event remained the same with students from Bistro Five Thirty Seven serving a 3-course Surf n’ Turf meal and the crowd bidding on silent and live auction items.
Along with those activities, the Foundation highlighted the stories of six students: Aerianna Stevens (EnRich HVAC & Construction), Billi Zombro (Nursing), Michael Chandler (Culinary & EnRich HVAC), Michael Horn (EnRich Industrial Job Skills), Shiann Currie (Horticulture), and XuMeng Liu (Accounting). Each one has a different story, but they all agreed on one thing: Richland has changed their lives.
Shiann Currie, a Horticulture student, said, “I look forward to changing the world, and I know there are so many other individuals out there like me who simply need an opportunity, need someone to care, need someone to show them what is possible or even believe I can get a degree as a single parent. So, don’t hesitate. Give, and I look forward to giving back.”
Michael Horn, who recently graduated from EnRich Industrial Job Skills, shared a similar sentiment.
“If it wasn’t for people like you, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today to chase my new aspirations and dreams. You’ve given me a way to make ends meet while educating myself. You are changing my life. You are amazing people. I’ve never met you, but I appreciate you so much,” he said.
This event was sponsored by:
- Presenting Sponsor | DCC Marketing
- Auction Sponsor | Hickory Point Bank
- Silent Auction Sponsor | Texas Roadhouse
- Table Sponsor | Main Place Properties
The Foundation’s 2024 Corporate Partners are:
- ADM | Platinum Partner
- LIDOS & Ameren Illinois | Gold Partner
- Busey Bank | Silver Partner
- IPI Wealth Management | Silver Partner
- Heritage Behavioral Health | Silver Partner
- Al & Melanie Schelling | Silver Partner
- BLDD Architects | Silver Partner
- HSHS St. Mary’s | Bronze Partner
- Dynagraphics | Bronze Partner
All funds raised are going to the greatest needs to the College.
