Hayley Vawter| Editor
On Friday, Feb. 1, East Central College held its annual Friends of the Foundation Gala. The event was held at the Union City Auditorium, the first location of East Central College classes in April 1969.
More than 200 people attended the event and students, faculty, staff, administrators and board members, as well as ECC Foundation Donors were present.
Upon entering the venue, there were dozens of tables beautifully adorned with lanterns and hand-crafted chocolates at each seat. To the right of the entrance was a photobooth corner where guests could sign up to have their photo taken. Music played, with a live band at the front of the hall and a presentation with photos of ECC’s former years and achievements played opposite the photo booth.
Scattered around the hall were small displays which featured photos and newspaper clippings from the college’s past.
Lining the walls of the event were tables of hors d’oeuvres, prepared by East Central Catering, the college’s culinary program. The bar was catered by Hagie’s 19 and offered alcohol for of-age guests and soft drinks as well.
Guests were encouraged to socialize before Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President gave a welcome address and Judge Joe Purschke blessed the dinner.
Dinner was catered and served by Cuba Lakes Golf and Country Club. Guests received a small salad and bread roll to start, a choice of a chicken or beef dinner, followed by an optional dessert of cupcakes.
After dinner, attendees were encouraged to dance to the music and further socialize. The Gala raised $32,150 for ECC student scholarships.
ECC Cornerstone 