Record high reached for charitable support of Columbus State in successful return to in-person annual fundraising event
Campus News | Tuesday, August 30, 2022
In its 34th year, the Columbus State Foundation’s Taste the Future event in support of areas of greatest need at the College raised $277,000 from sponsors and ticket sales
The resumption of an in-person Taste the Future culinary experience fundraiser on Columbus State Community College’s downtown campus on August 9 represented both a return to normal after two years of virtual events and a show of the highest level of community financial support for the College Foundation’s most visible campaign.
Taste the Future 2022 Recap
Due to the generosity of financial sponsors and a high demand for advance ticket sales, the Columbus State Community College Foundation took in more than $275,000 in unrestricted giving to dedicate to the College’s areas of greatest need supporting student success. The in-kind support creating a premier tasting experience for event guests provided at no cost to the Foundation by dozens of local restaurants and caterers also represented the resurgence of our culinary community from pandemic impacts.
“We are humbled and energized not only by record support for Taste the Future 2022, but also for our donors sustaining this event during its virtual years in 2020 and 2021 even when we couldn’t enjoy gathering together over great food and drink,” said Katy Trombitas, Columbus State vice president for Advancement and Columbus State Foundation executive director. “Every dollar raised is in support of Columbus State’s students through academic scholarships, non-academic direct aid, or seed funding for innovative College student success programs. We look forward to building a brighter future, together as we continue to harness philanthropy as a key pillar of the Columbus State community.”
In the spirit of creating a virtual experience around Taste the Future, the Foundation presented a short online program highlighting key Columbus State impacts advancing equitable College access, providing holistic student supports, and creating innovative education solutions that lift up local workers into in-demand regional careers. Programs from 2021 and 2020 are also available to revisit.
“What a joy to see Columbus State supporters back on campus enjoying this premier event,” said Columbus State Foundation Board of Directors Chair Robert Tannous. “The Foundation does so much important work behind the scenes, and it is great to see its efforts recognized in public celebration of the College’s community impact. I am honored to lead its ongoing efforts working with my fellow Foundation Board members to further philanthropic interactivity with the College’s mission.”
“Columbus always comes through for us, and we intend to continue doing the same for our city and our Central Ohio region,” said Columbus State President David T. Harrison. “The gifts the Foundation receives multiply the aid we can offer our students to further their educational experience and their life needs outside of the classroom. I applaud the outstanding efforts of the Foundation leadership and workers alongside our donor volunteer leaders, culinary industry supporters and employee event volunteers to make Taste the Future 2022 such a resounding success.”
Taste the Future 2022’s sustaining partner sponsors were Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Heidelberg Distributing Company, and Cameron Mitchell Premier Events. Additional sponsors are listed here.
Founded in 1982, the Columbus State Foundation administers more than 200 scholarships and provides more than $300,000 in student aid each year. Taste the Future will return in 2023 on August 15.
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