42nd annual Foundation Dream Gala raises nearly $800,000

Glasses were raised and records broken at the 42nd annual Dream Gala hosted by the Foundation for Seminole State College.

Presented by Addition Financial on Saturday, Feb. 21, the gala raised nearly $800,000, reflecting the strength of support from both in-person attendees and online donors. That momentum translated into more than $620,000 netted for scholarships and college support.

This year’s theme, “A Toast to 60 Years,” honored the 60th anniversary of Seminole State College of Florida and the generations of students whose lives have been shaped through education.

Board of Trustees Chair Dan O’Keefe and Foundation Board Chair Dan Donovan

delivered remarks during the evening, reinforcing the impact of the Foundation’s work. The sold-out event was hosted by Seminole State alumnus and WESH 2 meteorologist Eric Burris alongside Dr. John Gyllin, vice president of Resource and Economic Development and executive director of the Foundation. 

Guests stepped into a 1960s-inspired evening, complete with cocktails, chocolates and a lively silent auction showroom filled with curated packages. The atmosphere balanced celebration with purpose, inviting attendees to reflect on the College’s history while actively investing in its future.

“The biggest idea in here tonight is the one we have successfully lived for six decades: education changes everything and it never goes out of style,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College, during the evening’s remarks.

“When our college opened its doors in the mid 1960s, there were more chalkboards than whiteboards, more rotary phones than computers, and a lot of big dreams,” she reminded the crowd. “We began in modest spaces with a mission that felt equal parts moonshot and community promise. Here we are, 60 years later, evolving from small beginnings to becoming an award-winning college in Central Florida, recognized not only for excellence, but for opening doors to opportunity. We are proud to be your learning partner for career success.”

Throughout the evening, guests participated in silent and live auctions, raffles and the Foundation’s signature scholarship auction. One lucky raffle winner walked away with a shopping spree and luxury gifts valued at over $2,000 donated by Dillards Altamonte. Entertainment was provided by DJ Lindsey Leigh and the Seminole State Jazz Band, with special appearances by Rally the Raider and performers from the Seminole State College Theatre Program.

Auction packages, generously donated by businesses, organizations and community partners across Central Florida, added to the excitement. Highlights included a day with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Special Ops team and a catered dinner with Seminole State College President Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz.

In addition, Dr. Gyllin reminded the crowd of the sponsors who made the event possible, “All of the table sponsors, title sponsors and contributors in this room are partners in many specific ways,” Dr. Gyllin said. “You are on our screens and our programs and in a deepest appreciation for the support you provide."

View a listing of all Dream Gala sponsors.

The evening’s most powerful moments came through student stories. A featured video spotlighted legacy student Madeleine Coffee, who shared her family’s deep connection to Seminole State through her mother and grandmother, both alumni.

“Seminole State College of Florida has shaped my family’s story in a profound, multigenerational way,” Coffee shared. “It served my grandmother; it supported my mother, and now it has guided me. That legacy is something I carry with immense pride and gratitude.”

As a student-athlete and president of the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus SGA, Coffee spoke about how the College helped her grow into her confidence and capabilities:

“Seminole State changed the way I view myself, and arguably, that is one of the most important things you can do in your life,” Coffee said in the video. “I talk now with confidence. I know, now, what I am capable of, and the only person that is going to stop me from doing that is myself. And that is what Seminole State has instilled in me.”

As the evening progressed, that inspiration translated into action to help launch more students like Madeleine Coffee. Presenting Sponsor Addition Financial provided a 100% match of every gift over $5,000, expanding opportunities for new endowments and scholarships. The amazing generosity was felt from the whole room, but the Foundation shares special gratitude for the following donors who received the Addition Financial Match for giving at or above the $10,000 level:

• Dr. Rajiv and Rita Patel
• Charlie Brenner
• Pardeep and Nema Vedi
• Rotary Club of Lake Mary
• The Art & Phyllis Grindle Foundation
• Wayne and Mary Louise Bauman
• Aly & Alina Benitez
• Howard Hirsch
• Mike and Dr. Georgia Lorenz
• Dr. E. Ann McGee
• Janet Mercer
• Congressman John and Pat Mica
• Tom and Sally Moore
• Todd and Shelly Morgan
• Josh and Shannon Murdock
• Tony and Sylvie Tsirigotis

When all the figures were tallied, the scholarship auction broke another record, raising over $374,000 solely for student scholarships. 

Six decades in, the work of Seminole State College continues, carried forward by the students stepping onto campus, the donors who believe in them, and a community that shows up when it matters the most. The Foundation for Seminole State looks forward to hosting the 43^rd Annual Dream Gala on Feb. 13, 2027, and is planning the annual Dream Cup Golf Tournament taking place at Mayfair Country Club on Nov. 2, 2026.