COCC Foundation Dinner Event to Raise Funds for Scholarships

Meal of the Year

The 39th annual Meal of the Year fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, on Central Oregon Community College's (COCC) Bend campus. The event will benefit the COCC Foundation's scholarship program, which seeks to support the dreams and aspirations of COCC students by raising scholarship funds that will change students' lives. Last year, more than $340,000 was raised for student scholarships.

This year, longtime COCC supporters Chris and Jan Wick will be honored for the many ways they serve the Central Oregon community, and make it a better place for all. "Jan and I are both happy and honored to be involved with such a wonderful and successful organization," said Chris. "We look forward to assisting the COCC Foundation raise additional scholarship funding at this year's event to continue our community's deep and longstanding commitment to higher education."

"We're thrilled to be able to honor Chris and Jan for their longstanding dedication to COCC and for their many contributions to the Central Oregon community," said Zak Boone, executive director of the COCC Foundation. "We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Wicks as the COCC Foundation continues its ambitious mission of increased scholarship funding."

Chris is a COCC Foundation board member emeritus, and both she and Jan have been strong advocates for the college for more than 20 years. Their dedication to many important community organizations runs deep, and they've been particularly helpful with KIDS Center and United Way of Deschutes County, both personally and through their business, Avion Water.

At the Meal of the Year event, guests will be treated to a sumptuous four-course dinner, skillfully created and served by COCC's Cascade Culinary Institute students and chefs. There will also be live and silent auctions with very attractive and sought-after experiences and entertainment. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Mazama Gymnasium. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 for a corporate table of 10. For reservations, contact the COCC Foundation: foundation@cocc.edu or 541-383-7225.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability, can contact Joe Viola: 541-383-7775. For accommodation of another disability, such as hearing impairment, contact Disability Services at 541-383-7583.


Chris and Jan Wicks - Foundation Honorees
Jan and Chris Wick, Foundation Meal of the Year Honorees

Taste of the Town
On Friday, Feb. 24, the COCC Foundation hosts the "Taste of the Town" showcasing culinary delights from some of Bends finest restaurants. Music, dancing and raffle prizes round out this high-energy evening which supports student scholarships. This event typically sells out each year so get you tickets now.