Supporters celebrate student success and raise $340,420 for scholarships at ‘Together for Tomorrow’
Story By Emily Dew, PCC Foundation. Photos By Tom Cook.
Portland Community College 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 PCC 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 PCC 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 PCC student DJ Aspen 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 PCC Acting President Dr. Katy Ho enjoy the gala festivities.
Kianalia Towle (video above), a PCC veterinary technology student and scholarship recipient, shared her story of overcoming numerous challenges to pursue her dream career.
“My time at Portland Community College has taught me that resilience isn’t built alone. It grows when people show up for each other. The scholarships I received gave me something I hadn’t 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 PCC 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 PCC 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 PCC students.
For more information about the PCC Foundation, visit https://www.pcc.edu/foundation/
A number of prominent PCC supporters and community leaders donated to the event.