OCC Foundation raises over a quarter-million dollars

The Ocean County College (OCC) Foundation raised over $260,000 for its scholarship fund during the annual Summer Gala held Aug. 21 on OCC’s Main Campus in Toms River. The event celebrated the college’s 40th anniversary.

The gala, attended by nearly 400 people, honored Joseph A. Citta (Toms River), William T. Hiering (Toms River), and Richard S. Sambol (Middletown) with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year Award 2004. The three honorees were instrumental in the founding of the college. The OceanFirst Foundation was recognized as the major sponsor for the event.

The OCC Foundation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and development of the college through scholarships, endowments, and capital and special projects, according to Sandy S. Broughton, executive director of the OCC Foundation. In recognition of the foundation’s mission and its responsibility to meet the educational needs of Ocean County residents, the proceeds from the summer gala will support the continuing development of the foundation’s scholarship fund.

“Tremendous community support, over the years, has enabled the foundation to assist thousands of deserving students,” said Broughton. “Thanks to the donors and supporters of this year’s gala, over $260,000 was raised for scholarships.”

According to Broughton, a highlight of the evening was when a recent OCC graduate and scholarship recipient, Carly Todd, addressed the attendees, and told the donors how the foundation scholarships have changed her life. She spoke about how much students depend on their support.

“The icing on the cake was the beautiful, breathtaking rainbow that settled over the tents before the event ended,” Broughton added.