In celebration of the college’s 85th anniversary, the Glendale College Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser gala on Oct. 20.

And while it’s still months away, the foundation has already begun planning what’s going to happen during this celebration in the fall, namely ways in which it intends to raise money for the college.

Lisa Brooks, executive director of the foundation, said one fundraiser would offer naming opportunities to those who have the means to donate.

“It’s more rare in community colleges but it’s a growing practice now to name buildings after donors who are willing to help with major money,” she said.

In naming opportunities, donors will get to name labs or buildings, depending on the amount they donate.

Brooks said the fundraiser is timely because of budget cuts.

“Any way we can raise money now is being looked at and also because it’s the 85th anniversary year, it’s a great time to marry the two things together,” she said.

According to Brooks, so far, prices range from $25,000 to $35,000 for labs, and bigger labs may cost up to $100,000. The price for other buildings is still being determined.

The event will take place on campus and will cost $125 for students and faculty, and $250 for others wishing to attend.

Tables at the event will have 10 seats each, and sponsorship of a table is another way the foundation plans to raise money.

The ultimate goal of the foundation is to raise $250,000 from this event, said Pat Crouch, chairperson of the 85th anniversary gala.

Funds raised from the event will be directed toward programs at GCC.

“If anyone wants to give us anything that’s designated, we’re happy to do that. We’ll designate it for scholarships, for a particular project, for any of the things that are on campus,” said Ellyn Semler, president of the foundation.

The foundation has also planned a new Student Success Fund, which it hopes to make available to the entire campus after the gala.

“It’s a great concept where the money will be available for the whole campus to use for all sorts of things that are going to help students achieve greater success,” Brooks said.

Money raised from the anniversary celebration that isn’t designated for any specific purpose will go to this fund.

While fundraising for the college is being given much attention in the planning of this celebration, awards will also be presented.

Bupesh Parikh and his wife Kumud, who donated $1 million to GCC’s health science building, will receive the philanthropist of distinction award.

Former Glendale College president John Davitt and his wife Gael will be awarded honorary chairs.

“When people think of Glendale College, they still think of Dr. John Davitt. They just do. He was here for so long and did an outstanding job,” said Crouch.

Recipients were selected by the gala planning committee.

The foundation would also like to get the college jazz band and dance groups at GCC to perform, and get the culinary arts department to cater the event, Crouch said.
The theme of the gala will be “Stars Among Us.”

Anyone interested in assisting with planning the gala can contact Brooks or Crouch by calling the foundation at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5196.