The first-ever San Bernardino Valley College Taste & Tour was a success, with nearly 200 guests enjoying an evening of food, drinks, and interactive presentations from departments across campus. 


The Sept. 27 event brought in more than $21,000, with net proceeds going toward SBVC student scholarships and educational programs. The Brass Brothers, a band led by two SBVC alumni, played music throughout the night, and guests were able to mingle with SBVC students, faculty, and staff.  


"For me, the highlight was showing the beauty of the campus and the quality of SBVC programs, and at the same time, giving guests samples from local restaurants," said Karen Childers, SBVC Director of Development and Community Relation.


The SBVC Foundation awards more than $200,000 in scholarships every year to students, who use the funds for books, supplies, and enrollment fees. The SBVC Foundation puts on fundraising events several times a year, and Childers was surprised during Taste & Tour with a gift from the welding department: a welded SBVC Foundation logo. "That was awesome," she said.  


The response from guests was very positive, with people telling Childers they loved the atmosphere, the food and beverage selections, learning about SBVC's programs, and the enthusiasm of the exhibitors, with one saying it was "definitely the best event I've seen at SBVC." 


Taste & Tour's three largest sponsors were SoCalGas, San Bernardino Valley College, and KVCR 91.9, and because of how successful the night was and the great feedback, Childers thinks this is only the beginning, and there will be another Taste & Tour next fall. "I hope people will check the SBVC Foundation website around July or August 2019 for details," she said.

Visit SBVC Foundation's website at www.sbvcfoundation.org.