Upcoming PCC Foundation fundraiser aims to put students on road to success
Photos and story by Misty Bouse
Portland Community College Foundation will host its annual gala, “The Road to Success: That’s Where You’ll Find Me,” presented by Comcast, on Saturday, April 27, at the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center.
Local drag performer, community activist, and PCC instructor Poison Waters will guide the audience down the road to success at “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”-themed fundraiser. The event will highlight the inspiring stories of three PCC students as they follow their dreams over the rainbow of higher education and on to future careers that support their families and our community. PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings will honor the contributions to student success by presenting the 2024 PCC Patron Award to Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Senator Michael Dembrow, and PCC Emeritus Board Member Denise Frisbee.
Building Opportunity
The PCC Foundation hosts the gala every year to raise funds for student success initiatives and scholarships. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that enriches lives and strengthens the region through support of education at PCC. The Foundation’s vision is that all students in the region have access to an excellent education at PCC and the support needed to succeed, regardless of their ability to pay.
For over a decade the community has come together to raise critical resources for PCC students during this annual event. The PCC Foundation is committed to building pathways to opportunity for those underserved in our community – and anticipates raising more than $350,000 in donations during the gala to provide scholarships for PCC students.
“We are thrilled to return as the presenting sponsor for PCC’s annual gala and support an event that expands access to opportunity for individuals in our region,” said Marion Haynes, vice president of external affairs at Comcast and PCC Foundation board member. “Together, we can make the dreams of education possible and build a brighter future for our region that benefits generations to come.”
For 2023-24, the PCC Foundation granted $2.2 million in scholarships to 1,500 students. Through fundraising at this spring’s gala, the Foundation hopes to award even more students in need next academic year. One such scholarship the Foundation plans to award in 2024-2025 is a designated Comcast scholarship in honor of the company’s $50,000 sponsorship.
“I love seeing our community come together to celebrate and invest in students,” said PCC Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline. “We are so grateful to our partners, like Comcast, who are committed to paving the road to success.”
For tickets or more information, visit pcc.edu/gala.
About Misty Bouse
A Portland Community College public relations specialist, Misty Bouse has been working in college advancement for a decade. A graduate of University of Oregon, Misty has worked as a managing editor for BUILDERNews Magazine and as a contribu... more »