FVCC Foundation spring event raises funds for student scholarships

The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation held its spring Festival of Flavors event, “Golden Gate Gala,” on Thursday, April 11 on campus in Kalispell. 

With over 100 guests in attendance, the evening raised over $70,000 for student scholarships.

FVCC’s Culinary Institute of Montana students prepared and served a San Francisco-inspired menu featuring cuisine from iconic neighborhoods including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Little Italy. Event sponsor Summit Beverage provided wine pairings. 

“We are grateful for our community coming together for this unique dining experience to support student scholarships. The generosity of this community continues to inspire our students every day and makes their education possible,” said FVCC Chief Development Officer Tagen Vine. 

Vine and FVCC President Jane Karas emceed the evening and auctioned off some special Montana experience packages like a two-night stay at the historic Sacagawea Hotel in Three Forks, as well as two sets of tickets to the sold out Yo-Yo-Ma concert coming to the Wachholz College Center in August. 

The event featured a musical performance by FVCC cybersecurity student Brooklynn Pitts, vocals, and Natilee Radosevich, piano, FVCC alumna and ticketing coordinator at the Wachholz College Center. 

“Our donors truly change the lives of FVCC students. Events like the Festival of Flavors help to provide the support for our students to pursue their dreams,” added Karas. 

The FVCC Foundation’s next Festival of Flavors event is the fall kick off on Sept. 13 on campus in the Wachholz College Center. This year’s event takes place on the main floor reception and flows outside into the O'Shaughnessy Outdoor Amphitheater where local band Archertown will perform. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. online at fvcc.edu/foundation.

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

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