Help Raise Private Funding for Sierra College Students and Programs at Taste of Excellence

Many people don’t even know that Sierra College has a foundation dedicated to developing private sources of funding to support the college’s mission. Helmed by the tireless and dynamic Sonbol Aliabadi (you should definitely be following her on Twitter!), the Foundation has raised millions of dollars to support student success and access to college.

This is the sixth annual Taste of Excellence event, and I still remember attending the first one in April 2005. If I could only attend one amazing community fundraiser for the year, I’d be pretty hard pressed not to pick this one – not only because of the cause it supports, but for the chance to sample amazing food from our region’s best restaurants, and fantastic wines from our best vineyards.

Here’s the press release announcing the event.

Sierra College Foundation to Savor its Sixth Annual ‘A Taste of Excellence’ Event

Elegant Gala Will Feature Top Restaurants and Wineries to Raise Money for Sierra College Students, Programs

Rocklin, Calif. — The Sierra College Foundation will present its sixth annual “A Taste of Excellence,” an elegant food- and wine-tasting event featuring the region’s best restaurants and wineries, as well as a silent auction. The gala will take place on Saturday, April 10, at the Sierra College Rocklin campus.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the most needed areas within Sierra College, such as scholarships and programs.

For the third consecutive year, Wells Fargo will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 “A Taste of Excellence.”

Last year’s event was attended by nearly 500 people and raised $130,000 for the Foundation. In total, since its inauguration in 2005, this annual affair has raised more than $750,000, showcasing that it is one of Placer County’s premier fundraising efforts.

“Sierra College is an outstanding asset to our community, and we are honored to partner with the Foundation again this year,” said Candance Brooks, Wells Fargo district manager. “Wells Fargo is committed to enhancing educational opportunities, and Sierra College is a critical part of that equation, particularly in these challenging economic times.”

“Thanks to the help of Wells Fargo, we’re looking forward to another elegant community event that’s a tasty way of supporting Sierra College students,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, executive director of the Sierra College Foundation. “The money raised from every ‘A Taste of Excellence’ has established scholarships and helped important student programs.”

“A Taste of Excellence” starts at 6:30 p.m. with food and wine tastings from dozens of local restaurants and wineries, and a silent auction. Tickets for the event are $75 per person. The Sierra College Rocklin campus is located at 5000 Rocklin Road.

The Sierra College Foundation has a number of sponsorship options available for local businesses. The event provides a great opportunity for businesses to showcase their support of higher education and enjoy a great evening with clients.

For more information on “A Taste of Excellence” or to support the event through sponsorship, please contact the Sierra College Foundation at (916) 660-7020 or visit the Taste of Excellence web site.