Scholarship event raises more than $34,000

Guests to Champagne, Chocolate and all that Jazz
bid on more than 50 baskets, raising $11,000.

Sponsors and guests helped Chandler-Gilbert Community College raise more than $34,000 for student scholarships at the fourth annual Champagne, Chocolate and all that Jazz event on Friday, Feb. 7. More than 250 guests enjoyed champagne and both savory and sweet tastings from local restaurants including Brio Tuscan Grille, Florodino Pizza and Pasta, Kona Grill, Paradise Bakery & Café, Robert’s Catering, Salerno’s Catering, Schnepf Farms and The Groves Bar & Grill.

CGCC President Linda Lujan recognizes the four
scholarship recipients at the event.

College employees and community donations provided more than 50 baskets for the silent auction, which raised $11,000. From sports suites to handmade guitars, there was something for everyone to bid on.

The evening’s program, which was emceed by Wally Delecki and Erich Weber ’13, recognized four scholarship recipients who were introduced on stage and shared their personal stories while mingling with guests.  Faculty musicians Ted Goddard, Josh Gottry, Ken Hales and Randy Wright provided the evening’s entertainment.

Local restaurants provided savory and sweet samplings
from their menus.

Sponsors of the event also contributed greatly to its success. Walmart was the lead (Jazz) sponsor with Dignity Health, Orbital and Wells Fargo at the next (Champagne) level. Grainger, International Minute Press of Gilbert and New Adventures in Learning fell into the Chocolate category. Instrumental sponsors included Air Products, Caliente Construction, Chandler Education Foundation, Circle G Companies, di Sciacca, The DC, Doug Bullock, East Valley Partnership, Follett, Higley Unified School District, Linda Lujan, Maria Wise, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Professional Staff Association of Maricopa County Community College District, Queen Creek Olive Mill, Southwest Airlines, Sundt, Thorobred Chevrolet of Chandler, TrustBank and W. P. Carey School of Business at ASU.

Faculty musicians provided the evening's entertainment.

View a slideshow of the event.