Valentines Dinner and Dance completes the WCC Foundation’s Culinary Arts fundraising campaign

The Wilkes Community College Foundation hosted a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance on Saturday, February 9, in the Lakey Ballroom at the John A. Walker Community Center. Proceeds from the event netted approximately $13,000 and completes the WCC Culinary Arts fundraising campaign.

WCC Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts students took an active role in this fundraising event, and under the direction of chefs Celena Nilo and Chuck Wallace, prepared a world-class, three-course dinner for attendees. The evening opened with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Each guest was given a gift bag with chocolates prepared by Baking & Pastry Arts students as a thank you for their attendance. The students were Bridgette Warden, Kayla Sipe, Samantha Welborn, Bailey Eby, Victoria Johnson, Brian Johnson, Bethany Council, Ben Beverly, Andrew Holder-Walker, Maria Sotelo, Hayden Bolick, Kaycee Brow, Tonya McNeil, Maghan Adams, Sara Lopez, Lukas Phillips, Alex Parker, and Christopher Zeidner.

Following dinner, guests enjoyed dancing to the live band, Too Much Sylvia. The theme for the evening was Western “Boots and Pearls”. Special events committee member Connie McNeill spearheaded the décor for the evening.

Organizers of the event included Evelyn Bumgarner, special events committee chairperson; Connie McNeill, special events committee; Lee K. Cornett, WCC Foundation; and Allison Phillips, WCC Foundation.

Sponsors for the event were Arnold and Becky Lakey, Event Sponsor; Carolina Realty of Wilkes Inc., Appetizer Sponsor; 6^th and Main Bar, Restaurant and Catering; A & J Rental Service; B & R Service Inc.; Brame Huie Pharmacy; Bumgarner Services; Carolina West Wireless; John and Donna Dyer; Elsewhere on 10^th; Faw Insurance; Fleet Master; Foothalls Auto Spa; Foothills Center for Women – The Spa and Aesthetics Center; Ben and Brenda Garrett; Lee and Pam Herring; InfusionPoints; Kemp Salon; Sharon H. Lyall, CPA; Tracy and David McClure; McNeill Nissan; Michael’s Jewelry; Mike’s Body Shop; Tom and Penny Musson; Phillips Cleaning Service; Specialty Car Company; Taupe Gallery; The 50’s Restaurant; The Sterling Group; and Worldwide Protective Products. A special thanks to R.H. Barringer for providing beverages for the evening.

For more information on making a donation to the WCC Foundation, contact the Wilkes Community College Development Office at 336-838-6491. Contributions may be sent to WCC Foundation, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC, 28697.