FVCC’s Festival of Flavors raises $80,000 for scholarships

The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation hosted its Festival of Flavors summer event on June 30 raising $80,000 for student scholarships.

The evening dinner and auction, the Swan River Soirée, were hosted at The Nest on Swan River in Bigfork. Local musicians Halladay and Rob Quist performed a medley of songs for guests while FVCC’s Culinary Institute of Montana students prepared and served a dinner full of summer flavors. Event sponsor Fun Beverage provided the event’s wine pairings, each specifically selected to accompany the dinner courses.

“We are grateful for the support our community provides to FVCC and our students,” said FVCC President Jane Karas. “The funds raised at events like this change the lives of our students. Everyone who joined us at the Swan River Soirée helps make it possible for our students to achieve their dreams.”

FVCC students Shelbie Guckenberg and Portia Taylor spoke at the event about the impact of scholarship support on their academic goals.

"I wanted to find a college that was invested in my success where I could grow personally and professionally and really thrive,” Taylor said. “FVCC has been that for me. I'm excited to follow my passion as a radiology technician to provide quality care and invest in my local community.”

Both students received the Transformation Scholarship through the FVCC Foundation for the upcoming school year. This specific scholarship was created in 2013 and awards up to $10,000 to each recipient to assist need-based students in achieving their dream of higher education.

"I support myself financially and FVCC donors and their support are allowing me to complete my degree,” Taylor added. “Without scholarship support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

All proceeds from FVCC Festival of Flavors events support student scholarships at the college. Nearly 80% of degree-seeking students at FVCC need financial support, and the FVCC Foundation awards over $1 million in scholarships each year.

For more information about the FVCC Foundation and all Festival of Flavors events, visit fvcc.edu/foundation.