The gala promises to be a memorable day of festivities, community engagement and fundraising for student scholarships.
The celebration will be held on the Stadium Field at the Ukiah Campus on Hensley Creek Road from 1 to 5 p.m., starting with appetizer and wine tastes from more than two dozen restaurants and wineries.
From 1 to 3 p.m. guests can enjoy Tsar Nicoulai caviar paired with Roederer Estate sparkling, then try some Big Earl’s BBQ and Ukiah Brewing Company beer, along with samples from Oco Time, Patrona, Little River Inn, Ramen Cubed, Wholly Bowl and more.
In addition to the wide selection of wine, including Coro blends, Navarro Vineyards, Husch, Barra and Philo Ridge, Black Oak Coffee will present a coffee station and Kemmy’s Pies will bring delicious dessert.
At 3 p.m. Sen. Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Jim Wood will present a California Legislature Resolution which resolves that “they direct special public attention to Mendocino College on the celebration of its 50th anniversary, point with great pride Mendocino College Foundation to the outstanding opportunities it has provided to students over the years, and extend sincere best wishes for its continued success in the future.”
Following this presentation guests will be treated to a meal prepared by Mendocino College Culinary Arts students under the direction of Chef and CAM Instructor Nicholas Petti.
“We are thrilled to bring back the Mendocino College Foundation Gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mendocino College,” said Dr. Tim Karas, president of Mendocino College. “This event is not only a time to honor our past and present achievements, but also an opportunity to raise funds that will directly impact our students’ lives by providing scholarships and resources that support their educational and career journeys.”
Sen. Mike McGuire will be the event emcee, with local auctioneer Rachel Britten presenting an exciting array of live auction items. These include a private party for 30 people via the Skunk Train from Fort Bragg to Glen Blair junction, which has been gorgeously outfitted with a pavilion, bar and fire pit to enjoy food, drinks and games among the towering redwoods.
Gala guests can also bid on a two-night stay for eight people at the Beehive House at Leonard Lake, with brunch catered by Schats and a custom tasting of distilled spirits by Tamar Distillery. There is a three-night getaway to the exclusive Palisades Tahoe resort; an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival package with stay on the Coast; and a one-of-a-kind pass good for two tickets to all Mendocino College Theater, Dance, Ukiah Symphony and Ukiah Community Concert Association performances during the 2023-24 season.
Presented by State Farm agent Jay Epstein, the Mendocino College Foundation Gala is a signature event that has been a beloved tradition in the community for many years.
“I have heard from so many people who are excited that the Gala is returning for the first time in five years,” says Foundation Executive Director Julie McGovern. “It brings together supporters, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Mendocino College for celebration and philanthropy, all in support of student success.”
She continued, “This year’s Gala holds special significance as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of Mendocino College, a milestone that highlights the college’s rich history and commitment to serving the community.”
Saturday, May 13, also marks the opening of the 50th Anniversary exhibit at the College Art Gallery which will look back through the five decades of Mendocino College’s transformation from trailers at the Fairgrounds in 1973 to the vibrant, 127-acre campus of today with its state-of-the art facilities including a new Library Learning Center, Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Science Complex, Physical Education Complex, Child Development Lab, Vocational/Technical Building, Agricultural Headhouse and Gardens, as well as classrooms, a cafe and grounds.
In addition to celebrating the college’s milestone anniversary, the gala will serve as a fundraiser for the Mendocino College Foundation, which provides vital support to students through scholarships, grants, and other programs such as campus food pantries and the popular Adopt A Fifth Grader program.
Proceeds from the gala will directly benefit students pursuing higher education and career and technical training at Mendocino College, helping to make education more accessible and affordable for the local community.
“The Mendocino College Foundation is honored to host this special 50th anniversary gala,” said Linda Chapman, president of the Mendocino College Foundation. “And we are excited to launch our Fund the Future Campaign, which builds on the more than $3 million that the Foundation has dispersed in scholarships since 1984. We are looking ahead to the next 50 years and the many ways we can support our community college students, who are the lifeblood of our local workforce and the future of our communities.”
This support would not be possible without outside funding. McGovern added, “We are grateful for the continued support of our generous donors, sponsors, and community partners who make it possible for us to provide scholarships and resources that transform the lives of our students. The recipients are our future nurses, auto mechanics, small business owners and child care workers who want to live and learn and work right here at home. They need our support now so that they may contribute to the health and vibrancy of our community for years to come.”
Tickets are $100 with tables of ten discounted at $900 and are available for purchase through the Mendocino College Foundation website. For more information about the Mendocino College Foundation contact the office at 707-467-1018 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gala sponsors include Jay Epstein, Adventist Health, NC Financial Group, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, NCRM, Keenan & Associates, Main Street Research, LACO Associates, MCHC Health Centers, JK Architecture & Engineering, Mendo Mill, Khoury Dentistry, Vocality Credit Union, Harvest Market, CWDL, Law Offices of Caren Callahan, Mendocino Forest Products, Solid Waste of Willits, Granite Construction, Thurston Auto Group, Volz Co., TLCD Architecture, Dunn Right Painting, Blue Zones Project, Selzer Realty, Friedman’s Home Improvement and LCW Leibert Cassidy Whitmore.
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