A groovy night for the Auction

The Mt. Hood Community College Foundation’s annual auction will take place on Saturday, April 25, at the Red Lion Hotel on the River (Jantzen Beach).

The fundraiser has happened every year since 1969 and expectations are high. This year, the goal is to raise over $200,000 at the event. MHCC has reached a record $100,000 in sponsorships this year alone, and that could grow to $300,000 if the auction goal is achieved – not counting the other Mt. Hood fundraisers.

The Foundation distributes $300,000 in student aid annually. The main purpose of the auction is to raise funds from MHCC’s alumni to provide scholarships for local high school seniors who are planning to attend Mt. Hood. This year’s main event is an auction and dinner with the theme, “The Disco Ball.”

Around 400 sponsors are expected to attend the event, including Mt. Hood staff, instructors, administrators, and members of the community who own small businesses. Around 100 items up for auction have been donated from various sponsors. They range from  backpacks, wines, and barrels of beer, to international trips, cruises, and condo reservations.

All who attend will have the chance to dance and dress up in the 1970s’ groovy fashion. Gresham’s fire chief, Greg Matthews, will be the DJ at the ball.

In order to attend the auction, reservations are needed. Tickets are $100 per person and $200 per couple, and include dinner. To donate to MHCC or more information, email [email protected] or visit mhcc.edu/foundation.

Meantime, high school seniors thinking they could not obtain a scholarship, competing with hundreds of MHCC students, are strongly encouraged to apply.

“Apply. Don’t think that someone else is going to get it; we want more applicants,” said Judi Charman, development officer for the MHCC Foundation.

All MHCC students or potential students are eligible for scholarships offered, including those who do not qualify for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).