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Foundation Chef Auction Set For Early October

After a successful event last year, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation announced the return of its annual Chef Auction. This event is set for Wednesday, October 9, at 5 PM at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, PA.

Multiple local restaurants are slated to participate in the event, which will also feature both a silent and a live auction. The current list of restaurant attendees includes Ace’s, Anthony’s Restaurant, Balance Restaurant, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, and Sunnehanna Country Club, with more to be added in the near future.

“At the Chef Auction, we are not just celebrating local culinary excellence, we are investing in the future of our students,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “By supporting this event, you contribute directly to scholarships that empower students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Helping our students succeed is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, and we invite everyone to join us in this rewarding endeavor.”

The silent auction will include many exciting items to bid on, including remarkable trips to Portugal and Spain.

Proceeds from the Chef Auction go to the College’s Supporting Scholars Fund, which includes the Destination Graduation, Emerging Leader, and Presidential Scholarships. Funds will also be allocated for future culinary scholarships, with over $8,000 already awarded to students for the 2024-25 academic year.

Last year, the event raised more than $53,000 for local students seeking a college education. This included a $25,000 donation from the 1889 Foundation that matched $28,000 in proceeds.

The College Foundation is actively seeking restaurants and sponsors to join our event. Participating restaurants will benefit from direct exposure through product sampling and potential food package auctions. Sponsors will contribute to a noble cause that directly supports students pursuing higher education. We are proud to have WorkLink Staffing and the UPMC Altoona Foundation as our Master Chef Sponsors.

The Foundation Chef Auction will be held during the College’s 30th Anniversary celebration. In honor of Pennsylvania Highlands’ milestone, this year’s Chef Auction will feature a fitting theme, so be sure to don your favorite pearls. Symbolizing purity, honesty, and wisdom, pearls are the traditional gift for a 30th anniversary.

Interested individuals should contact the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation to explore evening options. For inquiries, reach out via email at foundation@pennhighlands.edu or call 814.262.6448.

About the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation
The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of the College with financial resources and scholarships through seeking and securing funds. The College Foundation offers over 10 diverse scholarships to students pursuing an education at Penn Highlands Community College. To donate to the College Foundation, click here.