Fort Morgan, CO 3/26/2021. The Morgan Community College (MCC) Foundation hosted its 22nd Annual Gala on February 26, 2021. Held virtually for the first time, the event raised over $78,000 through raffle ticket sales, sponsorships, and proceeds from the silent, live, and paddle auctions. The net proceeds will be used to support MCC students by funding scholarships, programs, and new and innovative technology.
The Gala raised over $30,000 in sponsorships from 35 businesses and individuals throughout northeast Colorado. The week-long silent auction, combined with the Gala’s live auction and paddle auction raised over $33,000. Gala-in-a-Box, a new addition to the event, provided participants with the opportunity to receive a home-delivered box containing food and drink to enjoy while engaging in the live virtual event. Contents for over 200 Gala-in-a-Box packages were donated by regional businesses, including Zazzy Café (Fort Morgan); Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center (Brush); and The Dish Room, Lincoln Liquor, and The Post Bar & Grill (Burlington).
The evening included special recognition of All Star Alumni Award recipients for 2021, honoring past students from each of the MCC locations for their career successes and contributions to their community and the college. Those recognized included Rosie Evans (Fort Morgan); Margaret Laing (Bennett); Dawn James (Burlington); Amy Bernabe (Fort Morgan); Kathleena Hines (Limon); and Ethan Merritt (Wray).
The Bloedorn Foundation was presented with the 2021 Distinguished Donor Award in honor of their continued financial support of enhanced educational opportunities at MCC through technology, scholarships, facilities, and more. Corliss Littlefield accepted the award on behalf of the Bloedorn Foundation.
The winner of this year’s FMS Bank-sponsored reverse raffle grand prize, a 2021 Can Am Outlander ATV provided by Wickham Tractor Company or a 5-night, all-inclusive trip for two at Secrets Resort, was Deb Wacker.
The Foundation thanks the numerous sponsors who made the Gala possible: FMS Bank, Colorado Cold Connect, Paradigm Fresh, Zazzy Café, Bank of Colorado, Furniture Mart, Colorado Plains Medical Center, Double R Embroidery, Golden Belt Bank, Harris Financial Network, Keith Bath Farms, Best Western Plus, State Farm – Gregg Mullen, Wickham Tractor Co., Arrow Realty & Management, Bob Staley Plumbing-Heating-Air, Coates Realty, Cargill, The Dish Room, East Morgan County Hospital/Banner Health, Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center, Edward Jones Investments – Tim Guggenmos (CFP, Financial Advisor), Edward’s Right Price Market, Equitable Savings and Loans – Brush, The Fort Morgan Times/Brush News Tribune, Smirks, Heer Mortuary & Crematory, High Plains Bank – Wiggins, Lincoln Liquor, LPL Financial – Marci Wickham, Morgan County REA, The Post Bar & Grill, Premier Farm Credit, Ackley Building Center, AC ICE, Brush Meat Processors, Country Do It Best Hardware – Wiggins, HotSpot Travel – Patti Seiber, Insurance Connections, Media Logic Radio (KFTM), Northeast Colorado Broadcasting LLC – KSIR/B106, Plains Realty & Management – Chris Ley, Taylor Insurance, Mark and Cindy Tormohlen, Claremont Inn & Winery, Donny and Melissa Edson, Dr. Freed and Family, Golden Belt Bank, Health Essentials, Inspirations Quilt Shop – Jaylene Evans, Sweetwater Fabrics – Karla Eisenach, Russel and Marti Raad, Dave and Karen Rebol, 21st Century Equipment, All About U, Cables Pub and Grill, Pam Cherry, Christensen Ranch Beef, Cover Theatre, Amanda Czuprynski, dAYdREAM Photography, Emerald Spa, Derek Grubb, Harmoni Healing, Herman Lumber (Ace Hardware), High Plains Bank – Flagler, Hoffman Drug, Gillian Laycock, Legacy Sports Nutrition, MCC HR/Purchasing/Accounting Departments, The Mobleys, Nails by Shayla, Pepsi Bottling Co., Plains Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Dalton Risner, Ruben’s Detailing Service & Glass, Schaal PT & Fitness, Scott Aviation, Scott Scholes, Seven Blessings Signs and Such – Cindy Schneider, Suzanna Spears, Stratton Equity Coop, Studio Seven, The Body Firm, The Brass Trunk, The Main Cup, and Vince’s GM Center.
Many volunteers also contributed to the success of the event, including emcee hosts Wayne Johnson and Lindsey Bruntz of Media Logic Radio, the MCC Foundation Board and Gala Committee, HOSA Students, Kiley David, Yadira Garcilazo, Zazzy Café – Rob Ingersoll, Troy McKie, Leland Arnot, MCC Jazz Combo – Nicholas Booker, MCC Marketing Team, and Pioneer Press – Rudy DeSousa.
For more information about giving to the Morgan Community College Foundation, contact Madalyn Babcock at (970) 542-3107 or [email protected], or visit the MCC Foundation website at www.morgancc.edu/giving.