On Nov. 1, the non-profit Shoreline Community College Foundation (SCCF) hosted the Giving Table, their annual, open-invitation fundraiser. In the main dining room of the PUB (Building 9000), SCCF members and guest speakers illustrated how the foundation’s merit and need-based scholarships improve students’ educations and lives at large.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., participants were welcomed to the luncheon with a name tag and a flier with information about the schedule and speakers, then placed at a round table with 8 other attendees. During the breaks and lunch provided by the foundation, donors got the chance to interact with each other and connect with people who were there for the same purpose.

The event’s guest speakers included SCC President Jack Kahn, faculty members Rashawn Smith, Jessica Strickland, and Tony Doupe, SCCF Executive Director Wendy Coates, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Brian Ramos, and the Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Seo Eunj.

A couple of students who’ve received support from SCCF expressed gratitude and shared their stories with the audience. These “stories of real people who struggled but never gave up” were the most interesting part to Zara Eubanks, a first-time attendee and administrative assistant for International Education. She continued, “with the support of donors and funding, they could manage to overcome their circumstances.” Eubanks also praised the event’s organization, speakers, and decorations.

In a presented video, the story of SCC student Mohamed Arif Pakdik was highlighted. Donations made at an SCCF fundraiser years ago enabled Pakdik to study and support his family.

The act of giving — whether it is time, money, or resources — is a personal choice that is influenced by the individual’s beliefs, experiences, and values. The foundation aims to convey good reasons and ways for donors to contribute. “We must help them [donors] understand what the need is and the impact of their gift,” said Taisa Welhasch, the manager of annual funds and stewardship at the foundation.

Over 300 donors were compelled to contribute this year, topping $100,000 in donations.

Those interested in funding access to quality education can make donations at any time on the college website or via phone and mail. On the “Ways to Give” tab, donors can discover other ways to give such as matching gifts, shared gifts, and grant awards.