Love conquers all as Seminole State’s Dream Gala breaks fundraising record
38th annual Foundation Dream Gala raises over $550,000
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Written by: Seminole State Staff
Celebrating the love that the Central Florida community has for Seminole State College of Florida, the Foundation for Seminole State College held its 38th annual Dream Gala at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary on Saturday, Feb. 12. Coinciding with the Valentine’s weekend, the gala’s theme of “Loving Seminole State” received overwhelming support from those in attendance and additional supporters who participated online.
“The outpouring of love and excitement at this year’s Dream Gala was palpable,” said Amy Lockhart, chair of the Seminole State College Board of Trustees. “Our community reaffirmed how much we value coming together to positively impact the lives of others. The Foundation’s success is a testament to the love we all have for Seminole State College.”
Presented by Addition Financial , the program highlighted the love the community has for the students and the programs at Seminole State and featured silent and live auctions, raffles, a “Tree of Love” activity and scholarship auction. Entertainment was provided by Backbeat Band, DJ Linsey Leigh and the Seminole State Jazz Band.
The live auction featured a variety of items including a bar cart filled with donations from the Foundation for Seminole State Board of Directors and Event Host Committee. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office donated a day with the Special Ops team and golf enthusiasts were given the chance to win practice round tickets to the 2023 Masters Tournament.
The Central Florida Auto Dealers Association once again donated a three-year vehicle lease for the car raffle which was won by Robin Lloyd.
New this year was a Dillard’s shopping spree, donated by Dillard’s Altamonte General Manager Nancy Nguyen. One lucky winner received a $500 gift card and a variety of merchandise.
Gala guests viewed a video featuring scholarship recipients sharing what they love about Seminole State as well as another one that told the story of automotive program student David Vazquez.
Vazquez shared his story of his dreams of one day owning his own automotive repair business and the challenges he faced after he and his wife Elizabeth’s home and car were destroyed in Hurricane Irma, putting them in financial distress and crushing his dreams of going to school. “I'm very thankful for the Foundation for giving me the opportunity to pursue my career,” said Vazquez. “Without them I'm not sure if it would have been possible.”
With 400 people in attendance and additional donations from people viewing online, the scholarship auction raised over $150,000 including a record single donation of $45,000. Addition Financial provided a 50% match of every gift over $10,000, and an additional seven donors gave gifts to establish endowed scholarships.
“I’m blown away by the love that was shown at our Dream Gala this year,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College. “We broke records, and we are looking forward to the impact that the dollars raised will have on the College. I loved seeing our scholarship recipients take part in our efforts, and I know that our community felt the difference that they’re making.”
The Foundation for Seminole State College, founded in 1968, is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that enhances the College's programs and services through the development and management of private contributions, public grants and community partnerships. For more information, visit www.seminolestate.edu/foundation or email the Foundation directly at foundation@seminolestate.edu.