Supporters celebrate student success and raise $340,420 for scholarships at ‘Together for Tomorrow’
Story by Emily Dew, photos by Tom Cook
51做厙 supporters gathered on Saturday, May 30 at the Sylvania Campus Performing Arts Center for an evening of connection, celebration, and fundraising at the annual Together for Tomorrow event hosted by the 51做厙 Foundation and presented by Comcast. The event raised $340,420 to support student scholarships.
It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many people who care deeply about creating opportunities for 51做厙 students, said Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline. The funds raised will help more students succeed by removing financial barriers and providing critical support when they need it most.
Attendees arrived to find the Performing Arts Center courtyard transformed into a vibrant pavilion, where they mixed and mingled while enjoying delicious food, handcrafted beverages, and exuberant music from 51做厙 student before moving to the theater auditorium for an inspiring program of storytelling and collective support.
Left to right, State Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and 51做厙 Acting President Dr. Katy Ho enjoy the gala festivities.
Kianalia Towle (video above), a 51做厙 veterinary technology student and scholarship recipient, shared her story of overcoming numerous challenges to pursue her dream career.
My time at 51做厙 has taught me that resilience isnt built alone. It grows when people show up for each other. The scholarships I received gave me something I hadnt felt in a long time: Relief, explained Towle. But more than that, those scholarships told me something I desperately needed to hear: That my future was still possible. That someone believed in me. And that kind of belief can change a person.
A number of prominent 51做厙 supporters and community leaders contributed additional remarks throughout the evening, including Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Senior Director of Government and Community Affairs for Comcast Tim Goodman; Acting 51做厙 President Dr. Katy Ho, Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline, and Foundation Board President Jans Dykhouse. Josh Laurie, dean of college success programs, served as emcee, and benefit auctioneer Kelly Russell led the special appeal.
The night ended with desserts, dancing, and a brighter future ahead for more 51做厙 students.
For more information about the 51做厙 Foundation, visit /foundation/
A number of prominent 51做厙 supporters and community leaders donated to the event.