The 2014 Founder’s Day attracted more than 175 guests to The Lake House in downtown Muskegon on Sept. 18, when the Foundation for Muskegon Community College (FMCC) event netted more than $20,625 for instructional equipment, supplies, and scholarships to support the study of arts and humanities at MCC.
“Founder’s Day honors our past, while promising a brighter future,” explained Tina Dee, the FMCC director. “We enjoyed hosting our esteemed alumni, community leaders, and other friends of higher education.”
Local musicians collaborated as the Muskegon All-Star Revue, the “unofficial” house band for Founder’s Day, while the guests, many donned in 1920s era attire to keep with the Roaring Twenties theme, bid on more than 75 silent auction items donated by local businesses, employees, and community members
“The outstanding music is always the centerpiece of the event, so it’s especially appropriate that all the profits from this year’s event will help improve the study of arts and humanities at MCC.” said Dee. “The Charleston dance demonstration, number of art pieces on the auction tables, and participation of the theater department really helped showcase the great opportunities for MCC students.”
“In terms of overall support from auction donors, volunteers, number of sponsors, and attendees, the event continues to increase in success each year,” she explained. “I think this is due to the enhanced understanding of how important higher education is to the communities we serve. In addition to raising funds, our main goal was to increase awareness of MCC’s mission while having a swell time in Roaring Twenties style. It’s clear that goal was met.”
The 1926 founding of Muskegon Community College is celebrated the third Thursday each September. Tickets for the next event, on Thursday, September 17, 2015, are only $19.26 each and will be available in July 2015. For more information, visit www.muskegoncc.edu/founders.