‘Friends of the college’ turn out for gala

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This article was published 21/03/2025 (209 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A sold-out crowd gathered for gourmet food, fun and fellowship to raise money for future Assiniboine College students on Thursday evening at the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts building on the North Hill campus.

Proceeds from the college’s Foundation Legacy Gala are dedicated each year to student scholarships and awards.

This year, a new program called mechatronics engineering technology will reap the benefits. The program combines mechanical engineering technologies and electronics, said Derrick Turner, the college’s vice-president.

“This is our largest fundraising event of the year,” Turner said, as he looked around the banquet room. “Most of the people here are donors or supporters of the many different things we do at the college; we also have our foundation board directors here. So, in general, friends of the college.”

The six-course meal was prepared by the students in the culinary arts, baking and hospitality programs, said hospitality business management instructor Rebekah Roberts.

“The students helped create the menu, and we’ve spent the last week preparing all the dishes,” Roberts said, adding: “We’ll have a seafood course, then soup, followed by lamb, salad, sorbet, our entrée, and then dessert.”

Connor Ketchen, director of the foundation and alumni engagement, described the gala as “an evening of impact.”

Last year, the foundation raised between $40,000 and $50,000 to create the new student awards and scholarships. And while it’s not yet known how much has come in so far, Ketchen said at around $2,500 per award, at least half a dozen students will benefit.

“It’s the core morals and identity of the event that is impacting students, which I love,” said Ketchen. “Everybody comes here in a great spirit, and when you celebrate in positively impacting students, it’s always a successful night.”

Shelley Hardinge stood next to her three friends exchanging laughs and stories about their time in college.

She said she felt an extra sense of pride being in attendance because her son will graduate from the culinary program in a few months.

“This is his year, he’ll be a chef,” Hardinge said.

Sherri Lund works for RBC in Westman and said she’s an Assiniboine College alumna who’s happy to support future students.

“I took business at the college, and I did my co-op internship with RBC 23 years ago, so it paid off,” she said.

Along with the culinary students creating and serving the food and drinks, complementary in-town car service was provided by students enrolled in the college’s public safety program.

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