Contact: Jennifer Christopher,  201-360-4061, jchristopher@hccc.edu

November 29, 2012, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College Foundation will hold the largest and most festive of its annual fundraisers — the 15^th Annual Holiday Gala — at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, December 6, 2012 at the HCCC Culinary Arts Institute/Conference Center ‑ 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City. Proceeds from the event are dedicated to scholarships for deserving students, faculty development programs, and the College’s physical expansion.

Hudson County Community College Vice President for Development Joseph Sansone said that PSE&G will be the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their work on behalf of the College and the people of Hudson County.

“PSE&G has been a partner to the College for some time, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to thank them on behalf of the College and our students,” Mr. Sansone stated.

One of the key features of the Holiday Gala is the hospitality hour, where area restaurants prepare and serve hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The restaurants participating this year are Boca Grande, Edward’s Steakhouse, Encore Catering, Havana Dulce, La Isla, Liberty House, Lisbon, Michael Anthony’s, P J Ryan’s, Rita & Joe’s, Renato’s Pizza Masters, Rumba Cubana, and Tejo.

The event also features a gourmet dinner feast prepared by the chef-instructors from the College’s nationally acclaimed Culinary Arts Institute, and served by students from the College’s acclaimed Culinary Arts program.

During the Gala, the winning ticket of the annual “Lucky Odds” raffle will be drawn. The Grand Prize winner will receive 40% of the raffle ticket sales, Second Prize winner will be awarded 6% and Third Prize winner will be presented with 4%. Tickets are $50 each, and ticket holders need not be present to win.

Established in 1997, the Hudson County Community College Foundation continues to play an integral role in the development of HCCC students, the College and the community. The Foundation is dedicated to generating financial support for the College and its students, developing and awarding needs-based and merit scholarships, providing seed money for faculty programs, and providing for the College’s physical growth. Since its founding, the HCCC Foundation has provided scholarships to more than 1,000 students who otherwise might not have been able to pursue a college education.

The HCCC Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation providing tax-exempt status to contributors.

Mr. Sansone said that tickets are still available for the Holiday Gala and may be obtained by contacting his office at (201) 360-4006. The cost is $500 for individual tickets.

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