EVERETT – Drinking and college don’t always mix well.
But an event today will prove that sometimes, a glass of wine is just what the professor prefers.
The 11th annual Gusto! festival, a wine-and-food fundraising event for Everett Community College, is a part of the school’s effort to boost its scholarship programs.
School officials hope the event will bring in about $55,000, school spokeswoman Katherine Schiffner said.
Money raised goes to the EvCC Foundation, which provides more than 100 scholarships a year, totaling about $100,000.
The foundation would like to double that amount in the next three to four years to provide better access to people in need, she said.
Through fundraising efforts, school officials hope to expand enrollment and school programs, foundation Executive Director Dottie Krzyzanoski said.
That way the school can better produce a skilled work force and make sure equipment and facilities support a quality education, she said.
This year’s Gusto! event features more than 60 Northwest wineries and 15 local restaurants.
Internationally known wine expert Darryl Beeson is scheduled to attend. He’ll answer questions and discuss Northwest wines.
About 500 $40 tickets already have been sold.
Krzyzanoski said she’s pleased with the strong showing.
“It really demonstrates the community support and understanding of the value of Everett Community College,” she said.
The school also announced a $3,000 scholarship fund for low-income students with children.
That money, donated by the Windermere Foundation, will be awarded to three students during the 2006-07 school year.
Scholarships help students such as Melissa Rice, 51, of Mill Creek. She said she used to work in low-paying jobs and now is on track to earn a degree in human services.
She said she’s received about $3,000 in scholarship support.
“I had given up on any sense of future for myself, so this is just a miracle that I got to be here,” she said. “And if it weren’t for these scholarships, I wouldn’t be able to stay.”
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
Gusto! festival
What: Everett Community College Foundation’s 11th annual Gusto! festival, featuring more than 60 Northwest wineries and 15 restaurants.
Where: Future of Flight Aviation Center, 8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo.
When: 6 p.m. today.
Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, call 425-388-9535.
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