GFTE Brings in Record $210,000
Proceeds from the event benefit South’s Foundation in its mission to support South students and programs with scholarships, internships, emergency funding, tutoring and the latest program equipment.
“The level of support shown for our students, school and mission each year at Gifts is truly amazing,” South President Gary Oertli said. “This year was no different, and the funds raised tonight will undoubtedly have a crucial and lasting impact on our student population today, and well into the future.”
A sold-out crowd of generous supporters started their evening with a silent auction accompanied by hors d’oeuvres and wines created exclusively by South Culinary Arts and Northwest Wine Academy students and alumni. From there, the event moved to South’s Brockey Center for a live auction. Attendees were treated to a multi-course meal of Northwest-inspired dishes crafted by a lineup of celebrity chefs (many of them South alumni) with the aid of students from South’s culinary, wine and four-year Hospitality Management programs.
A highlight of the evening came when culinary student Candis Outson shared her story of how a Foundation scholarship changed her life. This portion of the program, called “Fund A Dream,” alone generated $58,000 of tonight’s record total.
“Gifts From The Earth is our opportunity to share the bountiful food,wine and service found at South and in the greater Puget Sound region with our wonderful community of supporters,” President Oertli said. “We look forward to doing it all again next year!”
Gifts From The Earth is made possible by the support of the following sponsors: Food Services of America, Boeing, Charlie’s Produce, Rebar and Associates, McGranahan Architects, The Gene Colin and Susan Janus Charitable Fund, Union Bank, Interbay Food Company, Southern Wine and Spirits, WSECU and Vigor.
MULTIMEDIA:
For a complete photo gallery of Gifts From the Earth, click here.
For a look at Candis Outson’s remarks click here.