Dream Gala Celebrates 25 Years
The SCC Foundation celebrated the silver anniversary of its annual Dream Gala on Feb. 21, 2009, at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary.
Community and business leaders from around Central Florida attended the sold-out black-tie event, helping the Foundation raise more than $100,000 for student programs and scholarships.
Mix 105.1 radio personality Scott McKenzie served as master of ceremonies for the 25th annual Dream Gala, leading guests through a live auction, raffle and performance by comedy satire group The Second City.
The auction was hosted by WFTV 9 Anchor Barbara West and her husband, Wade West, and featured trips to the Masters Golf Tournament, Ireland, Las Vegas and New York City. The New York City vacation package included tickets and behind-the-scenes tours of "Saturday Night Live" and Broadway's "The Little Mermaid," donated by prominent SCC alumni Paula Pell and Norm Lewis. Pell is a lead writer at "SNL," while Lewis plays King Triton in "The Little Mermaid."
During the evening's program, SCC President Dr. E. Ann McGee saluted SCC graduate Lalita Booth. Once a homeless single mother, Booth has been named the University of Central Florida's first Truman Scholar. In August, Booth will head to Harvard University to pursue a master's degree in business administration.
Matt Hodge, SCC's vice president of institutional advancement, says Booth is only one example of the difference donors can make in a student's education.
"The Dream Gala pays tribute to SCC's commitment to changing lives," Hodge says. "Without a doubt, the scholarship and program support made possible through the event will impact countless students like Lalita at a time when it is needed most."
The Foundation's annual Dream Gala is a celebration for Seminole State College, its supporters and the community. To date, the event has raised more than $1.5 million for the College and its students.
Photo: Mix 105.1's Scott McKenzie helps Dream Gala founders Dede Schaffner and Art Grindle select a winner for the 50/50 raffle.
