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Foundation’s Annual Chef Auction Raises Over $36,000 For Student Scholarships

For the fourth consecutive year, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation hosted a successful Chef Auction at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, raising $36,000 to empower local students in their pursuit of higher education.

Since the College Foundation took over hosting the Chef Auction in 2023, the event has raised a total of more than $185,000.

All proceeds will benefit both the Supporting Scholars Fund and future culinary arts scholarships at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. The Supporting Scholars Fund comprises three distinct scholarships awarded annually to multiple recipients: the Destination Graduation, Emerging Leader, and Presidential Scholarships.

Twelve culinary students, as well as Chef and Culinary instructor John Dusack, Greater Johnstown High School students in the College’s partnership program, and two Culinary Arts alumni prepared food for the opening reception and dinner.

Alongside the Penn Highlands Culinary students, six restaurants provided dinner for more than 180 attendees, while also supplying packages for the live auction. They included Balance Restaurant, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, The Gray Goose, OMNI Bedford Springs Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, and Stone Bridge Brewing Company.

“This is our fourth year hosting the Chef Auction, and the support and generosity shown by our sponsors, donors, and community continues to be incredible,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “The event has grown into an evening that brings our community together to invest in student success. As part of that experience, our culinary students participated in this year’s tastings, showcasing the growth of the program while gaining hands-on experience and valuable connections with local restaurant partners. These experiences help students build relationships that can lead to internships and future careers.”

The event consisted of 20 silent auction items and seven live auction packages to bid on. Two luxury vacations were awarded in a separate auction, and a 50/50 drawing was held. The 1889 Foundation served as Master Chef sponsor.

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation actively pursues financial support for Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and its students. It achieves this by cultivating relationships, raising funds, and expertly managing resources.